Iran’s Ghalibaf accuses Trump of conducting show diplomacy ‘on loop’

What Happened

Iranian Parliament Speaker and chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf accused U.S. President Donald Trump of 'theatre diplomacy on loop' in a social media post on Thursday, days after Trump claimed he called off a large-scale military attack on Iran because Tehran and other countries had requested a halt for negotiations. Trump said 'the perimeters of a deal' were agreed, which would lead to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and end Iran's nuclear threat. Ghalibaf dismissed this as a failed pressure tactic, stating Washington shifts between threats and offers while using 'bullying + broken promises + fake news as leverage.' Separately, Iran has been in talks with Oman to reopen the strait, with Tehran claiming a deal is close after both countries agreed on shipping routes. Trump later told reporters the war would end 'pretty soon' and that Iran 'can't go much longer,' while Iranian officials emphasize preparedness for a long war.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

Ghalibaf's rebuke underscores the deep mistrust between Tehran and Washington despite Trump's optimistic claims of a diplomatic breakthrough. The dueling narratives feed the information war surrounding the conflict, which has already disrupted global energy markets via the Strait of Hormuz closure. Iran's simultaneous talks with Oman and rejection of Trump's deal version suggest a complex negotiation track that could either ease tensions or prolong the standoff if the U.S. narrative is seen as insincere. The standoff also tests the durability of Iran's 'Axis of Resistance' and its ability to sustain a long conflict amid internal pressures.

Watch For

Monitor for any formal announcement of a Strait of Hormuz reopening deal with Oman, Iran's official response to Trump's claims via the Supreme Leader or Foreign Ministry, and whether the U.S. resumes military threats or imposes new sanctions. IAEA reports on Iran's nuclear activities and any further social media exchanges between senior officials will also be key indicators of the trajectory.