Iranian MP pushes proposal to tie US nuclear talks to Gaza
An Iranian lawmaker on Tuesday urged a vote on a draft proposal to bar US talks unless the Gaza blockade ends, a day after President Trump accused Tehran of blocking ceasefire efforts.
An Iranian lawmaker on Tuesday urged a vote on a draft proposal to bar US talks unless the Gaza blockade ends, a day after President Trump accused Tehran of blocking ceasefire efforts.
“I drafted a proposal and requested it be reviewed as a double-urgency item,” Tehran lawmaker Hamid Rasaei said in parliament. “According to this proposal, any negotiations with the US must be tied to the end of the Gaza siege. I keep following up, but this proposal is not being raised.”
Rasaei said the proposal also covers negotiations with France, Germany and the UK, and cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency. “This is not just about the US,” he said. “The crimes in Gaza are happening with the full backing of Europe, and the agency cannot be treated as neutral while silence continues.”
He called the proposal a direct response to Western support for Israel’s war in Gaza. “Even the German chancellor says the Zionist regime is doing their dirty work,” Rasaei said. “So long as Gaza is under siege, Iran cannot continue talks as if nothing is happening.”
Trump blames Iran, warns of military action
Trump on Monday accused Iran of playing a role in blocking ceasefire efforts. “I think they got involved in this negotiation, telling Hamas, giving them signals and orders,” Trump said while visiting the UK. “And that’s not good.”
He also threatened military action if Iran resumes its nuclear program. “If they do, we’ll wipe it out faster than you can wave your finger at it,” he said.
Iran rejected the accusations and accused Washington of shifting blame. The foreign ministry said the US is directly responsible for enabling Israel’s actions in Gaza and called Trump’s remarks a form of deflection.
Speaker defends delay in parliament
Rasaei also criticized parliament’s leadership for delaying the bill, despite a rule that requires committee review of proposals within ten days when backed by ten members. “It has not even been sent to the commission,” he said.
Deputy Speaker Hamidreza Hajibabaei acknowledged the delay but said some bills carry broader consequences. “I agree proposals should be reviewed, but in some cases, they affect the whole system,” he said. “That doesn't mean your proposal won’t be examined.”
Rasaei insisted the urgency of the matter cannot be ignored. “This is the least we can do while Gaza is being bombed and starved. Let the people see where each lawmaker stands.”
