TEHRAN -- Iranian Parliament Speaker Muhammad Bagher Ghalibaf said on Monday that the continued U.S. military presence and buildup in the region show Washington is not pursuing de-escalation despite its stated willingness to seek a diplomatic solution with Tehran.
Ghalibaf made the remarks in a post on X after U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington remained open to diplomacy with Iran following deadly aerial attacks carried out by the U.S. military against the Islamic Republic.
“Americans keep bringing new military equipment to the region and claim they want to stop the war,” Ghalibaf said. “They have bet on our intelligence being as low as their own IQ.”
“We have reached the stage of mastery in recognizing these American games, and on that basis, we have prepared ourselves,” he added. “Actions must substantiate claims, not contradict them.”
Ghalibaf said Iran has learned to distinguish between diplomatic statements and actions on the ground, stating that U.S. military moves contradict claims of seeking an end to hostilities.
The remarks came as tensions between Tehran and Washington remained high following a series of military confrontations and diplomatic disputes.
Ghalibaf said Iran will continue preparing for as possible U.S. pressure while judging Washington by its actions rather than its statements.