Iran Warns Trump: You Can Start a War, But Not Control How It Ends

Iran’s parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, has warned that while US President Donald Trump might be able to start a war, he cannot dictate its outcome. At the same time, Ghalibaf emphasized that Tehran is open to negotiations—but only if they are genuine and beneficial to the Iranian people.

“We are ready to negotiate,” Ghalibaf told CNN, “but we don’t believe this is the kind of dialogue the US president wants.” He accused Washington of undermining diplomacy by force, noting that the US “bombed the negotiating table just two days before the sixth round of talks with Iran.”

Ghalibaf stressed that any talks must guarantee the economic interests of Iranians: “As long as these interests are not protected, there will be no negotiations. Dictation is not negotiation.” He added that discussions under the shadow of war only increase tensions.

He also suggested that if Trump wants a Nobel Peace Prize, he should distance himself from warmongers and advocates of surrender within his administration.

The remarks came after Trump announced a “massive armada” heading toward Iran and urged Tehran to “come to the table” for talks. Iranian officials have warned that any attack would be met with a swift and comprehensive response, while reiterating that negotiations are welcome only under fair, noncoercive conditions.

Iran has faced ongoing protests since December 28 at Tehran’s Grand Bazaar, driven by the falling value of the rial and worsening economic conditions. Officials claim the US and Israel are backing armed rioters to justify foreign intervention.