Iranian lawmaker Hamidreza Haji Babaei, the deputy speaker of parliament, on Thursday asserted that talks with the United States would not be possible unless Washington first acknowledges defeat.
He stated that “any negotiations are prohibited until the US admits defeat.”
He also issued a warning to regional countries, saying they should not assist in attacks against Iranian officials. According to him, “airports, hotels and even the leaders of countries that provide facilities to terrorists must be targeted.”
These statements have been issued by Iranian leaders as Iran retains significant military capability despite US-Israeli strikes which is even acknowledged by US officials. Iran continues to maintain substantial military capabilities despite weeks of US and Israeli strikes, according to multiple US officials familiar with intelligence assessments.
Officials told CBS News in a report published Tuesday that public statements by the White House and the US Department of Defense may understate the extent of Iran’s remaining strength following the attacks.
According to three officials, roughly half of Iran’s ballistic missile stockpile and associated launch systems remained intact at the start of a ceasefire announced by US President Donald Trump on April 7.
They added that about 60% of the naval arm of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) remained operational, including fast-attack craft.
Observers cited Iran’s continued defiance under sustained US pressure as evidence of Tehran’s confidence in its defensive and retaliatory capabilities.
