Iran warns of response to any US breach as Washington says talks depend on Tehran's actions

TEHRAN, Jul 10: Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned on Friday that Tehran would respond if the United States violated the terms of its memorandum of understanding, while Washington told the UN Security Council that diplomacy cannot continue if Iran fails to meet its obligations.

Speaking during a meeting with Indonesian People's Consultative Assembly Speaker Ahmad Muzani, Ghalibaf said negotiations with the United States should be conducted only from a position of strength and that Iran remained fully prepared to defend itself.

He said he had told the US vice president during negotiations that Tehran had no trust in Washington and warned Iran would stand firmly against the United States if it breached the agreement. Ghalibaf also claimed the United States, Israel and NATO had failed to force Iran into surrender during the recent conflict.

Meanwhile, at an emergency UN Security Council meeting, US Deputy Ambassador Tammy Bruce said Washington remained open to diplomacy but insisted negotiations could not proceed while Iran violated its commitments.

"While dialogue remains possible, the US can't negotiate while Iran reneges on simple obligations, like don't shoot on civilian objects. If you shoot at civilian objects or ships, we will respond," Bruce said, adding that "President Trump prefers peace."

Bruce also accused Iran of violating international law and UN Security Council resolutions, saying such actions should not be met with inaction by the international community.