Gen. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Iran’s lead negotiator, has signaled openness to negotiations with the United States despite renewed conflict. He made this known on Wednesday, highlighting that the door to dialogue remains open.

Ghalibaf, seen as a pragmatic conservative, has issued a strong statement affirming Iran’s commitment to defend its interests both militarily and diplomatically. He emphasized the importance of diplomacy in achieving national goals, stating, “We must also use the tools of diplomacy and negotiations to achieve and realize our national interests.”

The statement followed a series of American airstrikes on Iranian military sites, infrastructure, and key facilities like railroads and seaports, causing widespread destruction. In retaliation, Iran has launched missile and drone attacks on American military bases in the Middle East.

Both countries have declared an end to the cease-fire, with the memorandum of understanding deemed void. They are contesting control over the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial corridor for oil and gas shipments. Iran claims the strait is closed while the U.S. has reestablished a naval blockade on Iran’s southern coast.

Despite the hostility, Ghalibaf points to the potential for a dual approach involving both military readiness and diplomatic efforts. He suggests that neither fear of war nor negotiations should deter efforts to protect national interests. “War and negotiations are two methods of protecting the national interest,” Ghalibaf remarked, highlighting that current negotiations do not indicate surrender.