Iran Will Not Negotiate With US: Top Iranian Secretary Ali Larijani

Iran's National Security Chief Ali Larijani firmly rejected the prospect of negotiations with the United States on Monday, directly contradicting President Donald Trump's latest claims that Tehran's new leadership was seeking dialogue.

Larijani's remarks underscore the widening gulf between Washington and Tehran following the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in joint U.S.-Israeli strikes.

Speaking to reporters, Larijani accused Trump of destabilizing the Middle East with "false hopes" and reckless policies. He charged that the U.S. president had subordinated American interests to Israel's, transforming his "America First" slogan into "Israel First." According to Larijani, American soldiers were being sacrificed for Israel's regional ambitions, while Iran was left to defend itself against aggression. He emphasized that Iran's armed forces had not initiated hostilities, framing the conflict as defensive rather than offensive.

Trump, however, painted a different picture. On Sunday, he declared his willingness to talk to Iran's provisional leadership, formed after Khamenei's death. He suggested that what remained of Iran's ruling elite might be open to dialogue, even as U.S. and Israeli forces continued their campaign-dubbed Operation Epic Fury/Roaring Lion-aimed at dismantling the regime. Addressing the Iranian public directly, Trump urged citizens to seize the moment to overthrow their government, calling it "probably your only chance for generations."

Formation of Iran's Provisional Leadership Council

In Tehran, the newly established Provisional Leadership Council convened its second meeting on Monday. The session was attended by President Masoud Pezekshian, Judiciary Chief Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei, and Ayatollah Alireza Arafi. State media emphasized the council's role in stabilizing governance after the sudden loss of Khamenei and several top security officials in the strikes. The council's creation reflects Iran's urgent need to maintain continuity of leadership amid external attacks and internal uncertainty.

The Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) shared visuals of the meeting, highlighting the presence of key figures tasked with guiding the nation through this volatile period. The council's deliberations are expected to shape Iran's immediate response to both military aggression and political upheaval.

Trump's Strategy and Regional Fallout

Trump's dual approach-military escalation combined with appeals to Iran's populace-signals a high-stakes gamble. By encouraging regime change from within while simultaneously applying external pressure, Washington hopes to fracture Iran's political system. Yet Larijani's defiant rhetoric suggests Tehran's leadership is determined to resist, portraying the conflict as an existential struggle against foreign domination.

The strikes that killed Khamenei mark a watershed moment in U.S.-Iran relations, intensifying hostility and raising fears of broader regional instability. Iran's refusal to negotiate, coupled with Trump's insistence on dialogue under conditions of force, sets the stage for a prolonged confrontation.

Who Is Ali Larijani?

Ali Ardashir Larijani is a veteran figure in Iranian politics, with a career spanning military, legislative, and security roles. A founding member of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, he later served as Iran's principal nuclear negotiator and chaired the state broadcasting network (IRIB). Known for his pragmatism and influence, Larijani has long been a central player in shaping Iran's domestic and foreign policy. His current stance reflects both his deep institutional experience and his commitment to defending Iran's sovereignty in the face of external threats.