New US Escalation on Iran Nuclear Program Amid Stalemate in Negotiations

The US-Iranian negotiations witnessed a new escalation following the announcement by Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, at the opening of the New Year of Parliament, of Tehran's categorical rejection of any agreement that does not fully guarantee the rights of the Iranian people. Qalibaf stressed that Iranian negotiators "do not trust either the words of the enemy or its promises." On the other hand, US press reports said that President Donald Trump tightened his proposal and returned to Tehran a new framework with conditions “tougher,” especially on the fate of Iran's nuclear materials. Iran considers the lifting of US sanctions and the release of its frozen assets as one of its basic rights in any future agreement. The strategic Strait of Hormuz crisis continues to cast a shadow over the negotiations, as some ships are trying to cross the vital waterway to transport energy globally despite the US blockade on Iranian ports since last April. These ships sail "idle" without Activate navigation devices to avoid electronic monitoring. For his part, US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth stressed the ability of the United States to “resume operations if necessary” against Iran, noting that US stockpiles are appropriate for the resumption of war. The Strait region is witnessing increasing tension amid attempts by the IRGC to plant naval mines and launch drones. Iran's parliament is seeking to pass a bill giving Tehran legal administration More extensive for the Strait of Hormuz, including the possibility of a transit fee, which Washington strongly rejects. Parliament Speaker Qalibaf faces domestic pressure from hardline currents to prevent him from “making further concessions” to the United States.