Iran Refuses to Return to Negotiations with the US: We Do Not Fear War, We Will Not Be Cowed

Tehran — Iran said it has no intention of negotiating with the United States and will maintain its hostility. Mohammad Mokhber, aide to the late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, on Wednesday, 4 March 2026, stressed that Iran does not trust the United States. “There is no trust in America, and there is no reason to negotiate,” he said on television. According to Mokhber, Iran can continue the war because it has eight years of experience, referring to the Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988). “Historical experience shows we are not afraid of war, we will not be cowed in continuing it,” he said. Earlier, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) vowed not to let the attack launched by the US and Israel on Saturday pass without a response. The attack targeted several sites in Iran, including Tehran, with reports of damage and civilian casualties. State television confirmed that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed in the attack. Iran then launched retaliatory missile strikes at areas in Israel and US military facilities in the Middle East. The IRGC accused the US-Israel of targeting schools, hospitals, stadiums, restaurants, and wedding halls to panic the Iranian population. They said civilian casualties had surpassed 700.