Iran Official: “No Room for Diplomacy” as War with US Looms
Tehran, Iran – A senior Iranian official has signaled a firm rejection of diplomatic efforts to de-escalate rising tensions in the region, stating that Iran is prepared for a protracted conflict with the United States. The comments, delivered in an exclusive interview with CNN on , represent a significant hardening of rhetoric from Tehran as the conflict continues to unfold.
Kamal Kharazi, Foreign Policy Advisor to the office of the Supreme Leader, explicitly ruled out any immediate prospect of negotiations, asserting that Iran can sustain the war for a considerable period. “I do not see any room for diplomacy,” Kharazi told CNN’s Fred Pleitgen. He indicated that the conflict would only conclude when economic pressure on opposing forces becomes insurmountable, potentially forcing external intervention.
The stark warning comes amid ongoing military engagements and escalating concerns over regional stability. More than 1,700 people have reportedly died in the conflict since its outset, with widespread damage to civilian infrastructure across Iran, according to reports from the Iranian Red Crescent. The situation is further complicated by recent developments within Iran’s leadership, with the appointment of Mojtaba Jamenei as the new Supreme Leader following the death of his father, Ayatollah Ali Jamenei.
U.S. President Donald Trump described the appointment of Mojtaba Jamenei as a “big mistake,” adding that he had previously deemed the choice “unacceptable.” Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar offered a more cautious response, stating, “we’ll have to wait and see” regarding the implications of Jamenei’s leadership.
Kharazi suggested that Iran may continue targeting Gulf countries in an attempt to compel them to pressure the United States into altering its course. He attributed the current impasse to perceived broken promises from the Trump administration during previous negotiations, referencing instances where attacks occurred while talks were underway. “There is no room unless economic pressure is increased to the point of compelling other countries to intervene to ensure the finish of American and Israeli aggression against Iran,” Kharazi stated.
The economic ramifications of the conflict are already being felt globally, with rising oil prices prompting discussions among finance ministers from the Group of Seven (G7) nations. The G7 ministers agreed to utilize “any tool necessary” to stabilize the market, according to French Finance Minister Roland Lescure, though a commitment from the United States to release its oil reserves remains uncertain.
Beyond the immediate military and economic consequences, the conflict is also impacting humanitarian concerns. Five members of the Iranian women’s national football team have sought asylum, prompting assurances from Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, relayed through President Trump, regarding their safety. The team members had expressed fears about returning to Iran.
The U.S. Military has also confirmed the death of a seventh service member in the conflict, identifying him as Sergeant Benjamin Pennington, 26, of Kentucky. Pennington died on following injuries sustained a week earlier at Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia.
Within the Trump administration, concerns are growing regarding attacks on Iranian oil facilities, according to sources familiar with internal discussions. Despite these concerns, President Trump has maintained that oil prices will decrease once the conflict concludes. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has accused the United States of “conspiring against our oil and nuclear sites with the hope of containing a huge inflationary shock.”
The situation remains highly volatile, with limited prospects for a swift resolution. Kharazi’s uncompromising stance underscores the deep-seated distrust between Iran and the United States, and suggests a willingness to endure significant hardship in pursuit of its objectives. The potential for further escalation, both militarily and economically, remains a significant concern for the international community.
Pierre Bairin, Michael Rios, Samantha Waldenberg, Mohammed Tawfeeq, Catherine Nicholls, Frederik Pleitgen, Claudia Otto, Maureen Chowdhury, Aileen Graef, Pierre P Bairin, Olesya Dmitracova, Kevin Liptak, Tim Lister and Haley Britzky of CNN contributed to reporting for this publication.