Rising Tensions Between Tehran and Washington

Iran Accuses US of Seeking Extra Concessions

Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf claims America is pressuring Tehran to accept terms not included in Islamabad memorandum, while Iranian foreign ministry denies missile launches toward UAE

Gila Isaacson, Kikar Hashabbat

AUG 19, 2026 07:15

2 min read

Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, speaker of Iran's parliament, published a sharp message on X late Tuesday night, accusing the United States of intensifying pressure on Tehran in an attempt to extract concessions that were never part of the memorandum of understanding signed in Islamabad.

In his post, Ghalibaf wrote that "Americans believe stronger pressure on Iran will achieve concessions that were never part of the agreement." He added a pointed rebuke: "The Senate and Hague are several sizes too large for their role. Stop waiting for the clown crew to pull a rabbit out of the hat and clean up the mess you created."

His remarks come against the backdrop of statements by U.S. President Donald Trump indicating that no talks are currently taking place between Washington and Tehran, contradicting his earlier claims of ongoing contacts. Trump emphasized that sanctions on Iran remain fully in place, despite Iranian demands that they be lifted as a precondition for negotiations.

Separately, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei denied allegations from the United Arab Emirates that Tehran had launched two ballistic missiles toward the Gulf state. "This behavior contradicts the principle of good neighborliness and undermines ongoing efforts to strengthen trust between regional countries and prevent escalation," Baghaei stated.

Senior Iranian officials have recently acknowledged that another economic blow from the United States could lead to dramatic consequences and ignite a new wave of civil unrest across the country.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has addressed the difficulties, admitting that "our problems have multiplied many times over, while our revenues have declined." The naval blockade and damage to infrastructure have worsened shortages of basic goods and fuel, with inflation reaching 66% and food prices surging by 128%.

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