Iran parliamentary speaker Ghalibaf said Iran has never sought war but will not
yield to external pressure. He said the U.S., Israel and NATO had expected to
force Iran to surrender within days before recent hostilities, but failed.
Ghalibaf said the U.S. sought a ceasefire under economic, political and public
pressure and that Iran does not trust the U.S.; only by preparing for war can it
earn the right to negotiate. He warned that if the U.S. "breaches the memorandum
of understanding between the sides," Iran will prepare for a "comprehensive
defense" and defend its national interests. He added that although the
international community wants an end to the war, the conflict will not end with
Iran’s surrender.
