Senior Iranian lawmaker Ebrahim Azizi on Monday has labelled Tehran’s diplomatic engagement for negotiations with the United States as an extension of its military confrontation, stressing that any negotiations must strictly serve Iran’s national interests and security.
In an interview with Al Jazeera, Azizi, who heads the Iranian Parliament’s National Security Committee, said Iran’s approach to talks is rooted firmly in strategic calculation. “Iran acts based on national interests,” he said, adding that Tehran is prepared to take all necessary steps to safeguard its security.
Describing diplomacy in stark terms, Azizi stated that ongoing and potential negotiations, including those expected in Islamabad, are viewed as “a continuation of the battlefield.” He emphasized that talks would only be meaningful if they consolidated gains achieved through military resistance.
“If negotiations yield results that preserve the achievements of the battlefield, they are an opportunity,” he said. “But if the Americans turn them into a platform for excessive demands based on a bullying approach, that is unacceptable.”
Azizi confirmed that Iran has decided in principle to continue dialogue with Washington but cautioned that this does not mean engaging “at any cost.” He underscored that Tehran’s “red lines” remain non-negotiable and must be respected.
The lawmaker added that sending a delegation to Islamabad would depend on whether the United States provides what he described as a “positive signal” in response to Iran’s positions. While noting that Iran does not oppose negotiations in principle, he said outcomes must reflect mutual respect and tangible benefits.
He also highlighted key preconditions, including the release of Iran’s frozen assets and attention to regional issues such as Lebanon. Azizi warned that any actions undermining the interests of Iran’s regional allies or disregarding prior commitments would be seen as a rejection of Tehran’s terms and would prompt consequences.
