President Donald Trump said on Monday that his administration is negotiating with Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the speaker of the Iranian parliament, who he said was part of “a new, and more reasonable, regime.”
Trump said he expected to “find out in about a week” whether Ghalibaf is a suitable partner for extended negotiations.
Ghalibaf has rejected ceasefire terms, declaring Iran would continue fighting “until the enemy truly regrets its aggression.”
Ghalibaf claimed Iran is winning the war:
“Energy markets have gone out of control. Food inflation is imminent. Symbols of American prestige, from F-35s to aircraft carriers and regional bases, have sustained massive damage. Strikes against the regime [Israel] have been effective, precise, and foundational.”
“We are in a great world war and must prepare ourselves for the difficult and winding path ahead. We are certain that we can punish America and make it regret ever wanting to attack Iran,” he said.
At an energy conference in Cairo on Sunday, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi urgedPresident Trump to stop the war before the price of oil rises to unbearable levels.
“I tell President Trump: nobody can stop the war in our region in the Gulf but you. Please, Mr. President, please. Please help us stop the war. You are capable of doing so,” Sisi said.
“I fear that targeting energy facilities, whether production or refineries, will have very serious repercussions for the global economy and fuel prices. The price of a barrel of oil could reach more than $200, and this is not an exaggeration,” he warned.
Sisi said food and fertilizer distribution have also been disrupted by the war.
“Wealthy countries might be able to absorb this, but for middle-income and fragile economies, it could have a very, very severe impact on their stability,” he said.