Iran has no hopes pinned on US talks, lawmaker says
Iran has no hopes pinned on negotiations with the United States and does not trust the other side despite entering talks in good faith, an Iranian lawmaker said on Thursday.
Vahid Ahmadi, a member of parliament’s national security commission, said it was now up to the United States to decide whether it was willing to accept Iran’s demands.
The MP said if Washington did not respond positively, Iran would have no hesitation about continuing the war.
“It is now up to the United States to decide whether it can accept Iran’s demands. If it does not, the Islamic Republic will have no hesitation in continuing its course and the war,” he said.
A letter issued by a senior official at the National Petrochemical Company instructed producers to stop exports and redirect supply to domestic industries.
The directive said the move aims to support downstream industries and consumers following damage caused by recent attacks and to ensure adequate supply in the domestic market, the report said.
Attacks, curbs hit sector
Domestic prices for petrochemical and related products have been held at pre-conflict levels despite rising global prices, officials said, adding the measures would remain in place to support local industry and consumers.
Companies were also told to return export cargoes that have not yet cleared customs, with associated costs to be reported for possible adjustments to domestic pricing.
Key petrochemical hubs in Asaluyeh and Mahshahr have been hit in recent weeks, including strikes on utilities supplying feedstock to plants, disrupting production.
The US military has also begun blocking shipping traffic in and out of Iran’s ports this week, a move aimed at reducing Iran’s export revenues as Tehran and Washington consider a second round of talks.
Economic strain deepens
The measures come as Iran faces mounting economic pressure, with reports sent by citizens to Iran International describing factory closures and layoffs in industrial hubs due to shortages of raw materials and weak demand.
Residents said businesses have struggled with disrupted supply chains and an ongoing internet shutdown, which has further strained operations and added to rising prices.