Iran denies that the Speaker of the House was negotiating with the United States, saying that fake news created conditions for the assassination. It said that the United States had tried to negotiate through an intermediary party, but Iran did not respond.

# Li Dan

Source: Wallstreetcn

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf called the reported talks “false news” aimed at manipulating markets. Iranian media described the claim that “certain parties are trying to create political and social rifts in Iran” as an “outright lie.” Senior Iranian leadership stated there have been no Iran‑US negotiations, and that Trump’s “pause” on attacks stemmed from Iran’s deterrence. The commander of the IRGC Aerospace Force said the fighting would continue. An Iranian source noted Iran is ready to respond forcefully to attacks on critical infrastructure. Reports said the US government is considering the Iranian Parliament speaker as a potential negotiation partner.

Iran swiftly denied reports that Parliament Speaker Ghalibaf was holding talks with the US, with military figures adding that hostilities would persist.

According to CCTV News, Iran denied that Ghalibaf was participating in negotiations with the US. As reported by Xinhua News Agency, Ghalibaf posted on social media on Monday, March 23, denying any talks with the US, calling the claim “false news” designed to manipulate financial and oil markets.

Ghalibaf stated that the Iranian people demand the complete punishment of aggressors, and all Iranian officials will firmly stand with their leader and people until this goal is achieved.

Citing Iranian media, Xinhua reported that claims of attempts to create “political and social rifts” in Iran are an “outright lie.”

CCTV cited Iranian sources saying the US recently sought talks via neighboring countries, but Iran did not respond. Iran emphasized it has not replied to any negotiation requests and no talks have been held.

Separately, on March 23 local time, IRGC Aerospace Force Commander Seyyed Majid Mousavi posted on social media that the current fighting will continue until national and revolutionary goals are achieved. He said the enemy’s “concessions” are the result of public support for the military on the streets.

Citing US media reports on Monday, Xinhua said Israeli officials noted multiple mediating countries are trying to arrange talks in Islamabad, Pakistan, later this week between Iranian Parliament Speaker Ghalibaf, US President Trump’s envoy Witkoff, Trump’s son‑in‑law Kushner, and US Vice President Vance.

## Senior Iranian Leadership: No Iran‑US Talks

According to CCTV News, several “senior Iranian leaders” said on March 23 that Trump’s claim of ongoing negotiations with Iran is untrue. They stated there have been no talks between Iran and the US.

Iran said Trump “paused” attacks because of Iran’s armed forces’ “decisive, powerful, and credible deterrence”.

Iran stressed its position on the Strait of Hormuz remains unchanged and will not change.

Earlier Monday, Trump told reporters the US held talks with Iranian leadership on Sunday, with Witkoff and Kushner participating. He called the talks “perfect” and said key points of an agreement had been reached. When asked if the Iranian side was led by Mujtaba Khamenei, son of the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Trump replied: “No.”

Trump revealed the US and Iran had “very good and productive” talks over the past two days, and the US would “delay strikes on Iranian power plants for five days”.

However, Iran’s Foreign Ministry said there is no dialogue between Iran and the US, and that Trump’s statements are intended to lower energy prices and buy time for his military plans.

## Iranian Source: Ready to Respond Forcefully to Critical Infrastructure Attacks

According to CCTV News, a senior Iranian security source said Monday that despite US propaganda, Iran is ready to respond forcefully if its critical infrastructure is attacked.

The source said Iran’s assessment of the battlefield has not changed, and any attack on infrastructure—even small or symbolic—while the enemy continues airstrikes will trigger a response several times stronger. He added Iran can maintain operations of power and other infrastructure, and such attacks are doomed to fail.

## Iranian Media: False Negotiation Claims Aimed at Assassinating Speaker

Citing Iranian media, Xinhua reported sources said the claim that Parliament Speaker Ghalibaf is negotiating with the US is completely false. One purpose of fabricating this news is to create conditions for assassinating Ghalibaf.

The source said the false claims also aim to discredit Ghalibaf, stir division within Iran, and inflame public sentiment.

He said Iranian officials unanimously agree the fighting will continue until Iran achieves its goals and the aggressors repent.

## Reports: US Government Considers Iranian Speaker as Potential Negotiation Partner

According to CCTV News, the Trump administration is evaluating Parliament Speaker Ghalibaf as a potential negotiation partner. Multiple US officials said while pressuring Iran, the White House seeks to end the conflict via talks and is testing the willingness of several potential interlocutors. Some US officials view Ghalibaf as a “viable option,” but no final decision has been made.

Trump previously hinted at outreach to “credible figures” within Iran and announced a pause on some strikes on Iranian energy facilities to advance diplomatic talks.

## CCTV: Trump’s Negotiation Claims Serve Four Goals, Including Market Manipulation

CCTV noted that despite Iran’s repeated denials, Trump repeatedly claimed Monday that “the US is negotiating with Iran, which wants a deal,” without naming the Iranian officials involved, only referring to them as “senior figures”. All reports of Iranian negotiators came from the US side.

Based on analysis from former IRGC commanders and Iranian media, CCTV concluded Trump is using a “deception strategy” with four main goals:

- Manipulate markets and control oil and energy prices;

- Buy time to deploy additional US forces;

- Gather intelligence on senior Iranian officials’ whereabouts for other uses;

- Create divisions and exacerbate internal strife in Iran.

## Iran Announces 75th–77th Counterattacks, Targeting US and Israeli Sites

According to CCTV News, a spokesman for Iran’s Armed Forces General Staff Headquarters (Khatam al‑Anbiya Central Headquarters) said on March 23 that since early morning, Iran’s multi‑service drone forces have struck targets including Israel’s Tel Nof Airbase and Jordan’s Azraq Airbase.

The spokesman added that during the 75th, 76th, and 77th rounds of the “True Promise 4” operation, Iran continued to target US military bases and Israeli sites in the region. The 75th round involved drone strikes on targets in Erbil, Iraq; the 76th launched a new offensive against US and Israeli targets; and the 77th struck Kuwait’s Ali Al Salem Airbase, Saudi Arabia’s Prince Sultan Airbase, and the UAE’s Al Dhafra Airbase, among others.

The spokesman said strikes also targeted sites in Ashkelon, Tel Aviv, and Haifa, using missiles and drones including “Khaibar‑1” and “Intifada” systems. Iran vowed to continue sustained strikes on enemy targets.

## Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi Holds Calls with Foreign Counterparts on Regional Situation

According to CCTV News, on March 23 local time, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir‑Abdollahian held phone calls with Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Bayramov and Turkmen Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Meredov, exchanging views on the regional situation.

Araghchi briefed them on recent US and Israeli attacks on Iran’s Caspian Sea provinces and expressed concern over potential security and environmental impacts on the Caspian region. He called on Caspian littoral states to take a responsible stance, condemn the attacks, and adopt necessary measures to address their consequences.

Araghchi also spoke with Omani Foreign Minister Badr, discussing the latest regional developments, particularly the situation in the Strait of Hormuz. The two sides agreed to maintain consultations on relevant issues.

Later that day, Araghchi held a call with South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae‑yul, discussing bilateral relations and regional tensions. South Korea expressed condolences over civilian casualties in Iran, including the Minab school attack, and voiced concern over global economic risks from regional tensions and the Strait of Hormuz situation, stressing efforts to de‑escalate.

Araghchi said current instability stems from US and Israeli military actions, and Iran will firmly safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity. He added the Strait of Hormuz is closed to vessels of conflict parties and their supporters, but ships from other countries may pass normally after coordinating with Iran. The two sides also discussed consular matters.

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