Iran Calls War-Ending Deal ‘America’s Declaration of Defeat’ as US Defends Agreement
By Shahzaib Saqib & Robeka Irfan
Iran's parliamentary speaker and chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, has described the US-Iran agreement to end the Middle East war as “America’s declaration of defeat,” arguing that Tehran secured the deal through resistance rather than pressure from Washington.
Speaking at a conference broadcast on Iranian television, Ghalibaf said the Islamabad-brokered understanding was achieved because Iran remained firm despite military pressure, sanctions, and months of conflict. He claimed the agreement reflected Iranian strength and national resilience rather than any concession to US demands.
The remarks highlight the sharply different narratives emerging from both sides. President Donald Trump and senior US officials have presented the agreement as a diplomatic breakthrough that could reopen the Strait of Hormuz, reduce regional tensions, and create a framework for negotiations on Iran's nuclear programme.
Despite the ceasefire framework, major disputes remain unresolved. Tehran and Washington continue to disagree over the timing and scope of international inspections of Iran's nuclear facilities, one of the key issues expected to dominate negotiations over the next 60 days.
Political analysts say both governments are now selling the same agreement as a victory to domestic audiences—Washington portraying it as successful diplomacy and Tehran presenting it as proof that US military and economic pressure failed to achieve its objectives.
Why This Matters
The competing victory claims reveal how fragile the agreement remains. While the war may have paused, disagreements over nuclear inspections, sanctions relief, Lebanon, and long-term regional security could still determine whether a final deal is reached.