Iran’s Ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva stated that Iran will approach peace negotiations with the United States with caution due to a significant trust gap and will remain militarily prepared. This position comes amid a fragile US-Iran ceasefire announced following weeks of intense military confrontation. The ambassador’s remarks reflect Tehran’s guarded stance after recent US strikes and President Trump’s regime change claims.
Ambassador Ali Bahreini spoke to reporters following the Pentagon briefing by US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, who credited Trump’s overwhelming pressure for forcing Iran’s ceasefire acceptance. Bahreini emphasized Iran’s doubt about the usefulness of negotiations with Washington, noting no direct or indirect contact had occurred regarding de-escalation or nuclear talks. He described US military actions during ongoing diplomatic efforts as “totally stupid,” undermining Gulf mediation attempts.
The statement aligns with earlier Iranian positions after US-Israel joint strikes began February 28, 2026, targeting Iran’s missile sites, naval forces, and nuclear infrastructure. On March 2, Bahreini ruled out negotiations while explosions rocked Tehran and global markets tumbled over energy supply fears. Iran maintains it had no issue with Gulf neighbors but opposes US bases in the region serving as launchpads against its territory.
This cautious approach follows Hegseth’s declaration of “decisive military victory” over Iran, stating Trump could have crippled Tehran’s economy but chose mercy after the new regime accepted the truce. The two-week ceasefire requires Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, following Trump’s deadline threats. Iranian military spokesperson Ebrahim Zolfaghari recently warned forces would “cut off legs” of any aggressor, signaling sustained preparedness.
Earlier Geneva talks in February 2026 ended without agreement but showed potential progress through Omani mediation. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described a “new window of opportunity” for nuclear dispute resolution while affirming continued IAEA technical engagement. However, post-strike statements shifted to defense as the primary language for US dealings.
The UN Secretary-General condemned the US-Israel escalation against Iran on February 28, calling for immediate de-escalation and return to negotiations per the UN Charter. During a UN Security Council emergency session, multiple nations held Iran responsible for regional attacks while reserving rights to respond under Article 51.
Bahreini’s comments underscore the trust deficit after Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s death in US strikes, which Trump and Hegseth cited as regime change accomplishment. Iran insists governing institutions remain intact despite leadership losses. The ambassador’s military readiness emphasis counters Hegseth’s claims of decimated Iranian capabilities through thousands of US operations.
Tehran faces domestic economic pressures and protests alongside international sanctions, yet maintains flexibility signals in prior talks. The ceasefire provides a pause, but Iran’s Geneva representative stresses defense readiness prevents repeats of predecessors’ fate under Trump pressure. US vows continued monitoring with escalation readiness if Hormuz remains closed or talks fail.
This development occurs as UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer visits Gulf states discussing Strait reopening and ceasefire support. Iran’s position maintains no viable US negotiations without addressing recent military betrayal of diplomatic channels. Military preparedness ensures Iran enters any talks from strength despite the acknowledged trust gap.