Iran: Our Finger Is on the Trigger, Ceasefire Violations Will Be Met with Force
Iran warns it remains on full alert against any ceasefire breach, while reaffirming readiness to expand defense cooperation with Qatar.
Iran, PUREWILAYAH.COM – Iran’s Acting Minister of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics, Brig. Gen. Sayyed Majid Ebnolreza, said the Islamic Republic remains fully prepared to respond if the opposing side violates the ceasefire memorandum.
His remarks came during a telephone conversation with Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense Affairs, Sheikh Saud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan Al Thani.
Ebnolreza thanked Qatar for its role in facilitating the process that led to the ceasefire memorandum, but warned that violations had already occurred despite the short time since its implementation.
“The opposing side has already violated its commitments on several occasions during this short period.”
“We Trust Our Brothers, Not the Enemy”
Ebnolreza said Iran’s distrust of the United States is rooted in decades of interference and hostile actions against the Islamic Republic.
He added that Iran would never forget the assassination of its political and religious leader, military commanders, civilians, and “especially the students of Minab School,” describing those crimes as part of America’s “black record.”
At the same time, he distinguished Iran’s position toward neighboring Muslim countries.
“We trust our brothers, but we do not trust the enemy. Our finger remains on the trigger, and without hesitation, if any provision of the ceasefire is violated, we will take the appropriate and necessary action.”
Regional Security Must Be Protected by Regional States
Ebnolreza also stressed that security in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz should remain the responsibility of regional countries rather than extra-regional powers.
He argued that the presence of foreign military forces only deepens mistrust and fuels instability.
According to the acting defense minister, regional security is an indigenous responsibility that should be managed collectively by the countries of the region without outside interference.
He also condemned the crimes of the Israeli regime in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Qatar, and Iran, saying continued US support has enabled the regime to sustain its aggression while relying on regional crises for its survival.
The two officials concluded their conversation by emphasizing the importance of expanding bilateral defense and security cooperation to strengthen regional stability.
Iran Rejects Reports of US Negotiations in Doha
Separately, Iran’s Foreign Ministry dismissed reports that Tehran is preparing to hold talks with the United States in Doha.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said an Iranian delegation of technical experts will travel to Doha this week solely to follow up on the implementation of Article 11 of the memorandum, which concerns the release of Iran’s frozen assets.
He stressed that the visit has no connection to negotiations with Washington.
The Foreign Ministry said Iran’s immediate priority is ensuring the full implementation of every provision of the memorandum.
Regarding Article 10 on oil sales, Tehran said the United States has issued the required authorizations, while Iran continues to monitor implementation.
On Article 11, Iranian experts will continue technical discussions in Doha regarding the unfreezing of Iranian assets.
The ministry added that negotiations on a final agreement cannot begin under Article 13 until Articles 1, 4, 10, and 11 have been fully implemented.
The statement also rejected an Axios report claiming that US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner would travel to Doha to discuss the Iran file and that technical teams from Iran and the United States would hold separate meetings with Qatari and Pakistani mediators.
Tehran reiterated that its delegation’s visit to Doha is exclusively focused on implementing the memorandum, particularly the provisions concerning Iran’s frozen assets, and that no negotiations with the United States are scheduled at any level. (PW)