Iran's top negotiator Mohammad-Baqer Qalibaf said Tuesday the Trump administration is split over the U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding, accusing Secretary of State Marco Rubio of trying to turn Gulf states against the deal. Qalibaf called Rubio an 'enemy' and said he is working to normalize relations between Israel and Lebanon, adding Tehran stands firmly behind the agreement.
Iran's chief negotiator Mohammad-Baqer Qalibaf on Tuesday evening described deep divisions within the Trump administration over the U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding (MoU), directly accusing Secretary of State Marco Rubio of working to undermine the pact.
Speaking in an interview published by N12's Asaf Rozentzweig, Qalibaf said Rubio has attempted to sway Gulf states against the agreement and is actively pursuing normalization between Israel and Lebanon, which he characterized as a threat to the MoU's framework. Qalibaf labeled Rubio an 'enemy' and asserted that Vice President JD Vance is pursuing a different policy path.
The remarks, which echo and deepen earlier statements by Qalibaf cited by The Zioneer on Tuesday (22:17 Jerusalem), underscore a deepening battle within the U.S. administration regarding the implementation of the MoU, particularly its clauses concerning Lebanon and the Strait of Hormuz. In a separate address earlier Tuesday, Qalibaf declared Iran's readiness for war if Washington fails to honor its commitments — a warning that stands alongside his insistence that the MoU represents a 'great victory' for Tehran.
- StrongIran's Ghalibaf, Lebanon's Berri coordinate on separate deal fears
- StrongAnalyst: US administration divided over Lebanon talks — Vance pro-Iran, Rubio backs Lebanese sovereignty
- DevelopingRubio dismisses reported US intelligence assessment of Israeli intentions on MOU
- DevelopingRubio reportedly sees Lebanon-Israel deal as bypassing the U.S.-Iran MOU
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