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Iran hardliner behind US deal warns Tehran won’t honor agreement if Trump fails to deliver
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Iran’s hardline parliament speaker and key negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned that Tehran would not honor its commitments under a newly signed memorandum with the U.S. if Washington fails to uphold its side of the deal, according to the media arm of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
«If the United States does not honor its commitments, there is no way Iran will honor its own commitments,» Ghalibaf said, according to the outlet.
Ghalibaf’s warning was echoed Thursday by Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Quds Force commander Esmail Qaani, who threatened the U.S. in remarks translated by MEMRI TV, saying, «Americans should know their place and avoid confronting the Muslims.»
Qaani added that «Trump is trembling» and warned that the U.S. «should fear not only Hormuz and Bab al-Mandeb, but many other locations as well.»
MEET IRAN’S HARDLINE SPEAKER WHO THREATENED TO BURN US FORCES — REPORTEDLY TEHRAN’S POINT MAN FOR TALKS
The warnings came after President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian Wednesday digitally signed a copy of the memorandum aimed at ending the war and resuming the flow of traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran’s hardline parliament speaker and key negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned that Tehran would not honor its commitments under a newly signed memorandum with the U.S. if Washington fails to uphold its side of the deal. (Majid Asgaripour/WANA)
The memorandum gives Iran major economic relief while leaving some of the most difficult nuclear questions for a final agreement to be negotiated throughout the next 60 days. Under the 14-point plan read by a senior U.S. official, Washington agreed to begin lifting its naval blockade, work with regional partners on a $300 billion reconstruction and development plan for Iran, and terminate U.S., U.N. and other sanctions on an agreed schedule as part of a final deal.
The memorandum also says all licenses, waivers and permissions needed for related financial transactions would be granted by the United States.
In return, Iran reaffirmed that it «shall not procure or develop nuclear weapons,» and the two sides agreed to resolve the fate of Iran’s stockpiled enriched material under a future mechanism, with the minimum method being on-site down-blending under International Atomic Energy Agency supervision.
The agreement defers many of the hardest questions — including how to wind down Iran’s nuclear program — until the 60-day negotiation period for a final deal.
But the Iranian figure at the center of the deal is not a diplomat known for moderation.
Ghalibaf, a former Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commander and longtime regime insider, has threatened American forces, vowed Trump would «pay the price» and built his career through loyalty to Iran’s security establishment.
The new warning underscored what experts say is the central risk of the agreement: Washington may be entering a deal with officials who can enforce Iran’s commitments, but who have shown little sign of changing the regime’s long-term posture toward the U.S., Israel or the region.
Ghalibaf, 64, is a product of Iran’s security establishment. He rose through the ranks of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps during the Iran-Iraq War, eventually becoming commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps air force.
He later served as Iran’s national police chief, overseeing internal security forces responsible for suppressing protests, including the 1999 student uprising, alongside Qassem Soleimani.
After transitioning into politics, Ghalibaf attempted to run for president multiple times but failed. He instead built his career through loyalty to the system, serving as Tehran’s mayor for more than a decade before becoming speaker of parliament in 2020.
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Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf looks on as parliament members wearing military uniforms chant in support of the IRGC in Tehran, Iran, on Feb. 1, 2026. (Hamed Malekpour/Islamic consultative assembly news agency/WANA (West Asia News Agency)/Handout via Reuters)
«Ghalibaf doesn’t have an independent line. His strength is that he is a ‘yes man,’» Beni Sabti, an Iran expert at the Institute for National Security Studies, previously told Fox News Digital. «If he is told to shake hands with Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, he will do it. If he is told to escalate, he will. It is not about moderation, it is about who gives the orders.»
«His name has also been linked to multiple corruption allegations, including misuse of oil revenues and sanctions evasion networks involving his family. His sons have reportedly been involved and are under sanctions,» Sabti said, adding, «There have also been public scandals involving family members traveling abroad and making luxury purchases, including widely circulated images of them arriving with numerous high-end Gucci suitcases.»
Behnam Ben Taleblu, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, said the image of Ghalibaf at a signing ceremony with a senior U.S. official would be a propaganda victory for the regime.
«There was a time when the Islamic Republic would have been terrified to be seen signing such a thing,» Ben Taleblu told Fox News Digital. «Post-war, this is a sign of the regime’s opportunism, and no one identifies that opportunism better than someone like Ghalibaf, who comes from the IRGC, who is a corrupt politician and is a wheeler and dealer.»
But Taleblu warned that Washington should not confuse Ghalibaf’s opportunism with moderation.
«The mirage is the myth of Iranian military moderation and the myth that, with time, this regime will integrate and put aside all the things that have kept it on the sidelines for so long,» he said. «Transforming Iran via a deal — that is a huge lift.»
Ghalibaf’s wartime statements reflect the hardline posture inside Iran’s leadership. In remarks aired on Iranian television on Jan. 12 and translated by MEMRI, he warned that U.S. forces would face catastrophic consequences if they confronted Iran.
«Come, so you can see what catastrophe befalls American bases, ships and forces,» he said, adding that American troops would be «burned by the fire of Iran’s defenders.»
TRUMP ADMINISTRATION UNVEILS SWEEPING TERMS OF PROPOSED IRAN AGREEMENT
A man lights a cigarette with fire from a burning picture of Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf as Israelis rally in support of nationwide protests in Iran in Holon, Israel, on Jan. 14, 2026. (Ammar Awad/Reuters)
More recently, he warned that «the blood of American soldiers is the personal responsibility of Trump,» and vowed Iran would «settle accounts with the Americans and Israelis,» adding that «Trump and Netanyahu crossed our red lines and will pay the price.»
John Hannah, a senior fellow at the Jewish Institute for National Security of America and a former national security adviser to Vice President Dick Cheney, said Ghalibaf’s expected role reflects the reality of who holds power inside Iran.
«If you’re going to sign an agreement with Iran, those are the forces in charge and calling the shots, presumably with the approval of the new Supreme Leader,» Hannah told Fox News Digital. «If the U.S. harbors hope that Iran will ever implement any of their obligations under the MOU, these are the people — odious as they are — capable of making it happen.»
But Hannah said the central question is whether Iran’s leadership sees compliance as useful, or whether the agreement is simply a tactical pause.
«The big question is whether they see it in their interest to do so, or are they only buying time, rebuilding their power and preparing for the next round of conflict,» he said.
Ben Taleblu was even more blunt, warning that even a seemingly favorable agreement would not change the nature of the regime.
«Even if you’ve got the perfect deal, with this kind of regime, with this kind of mentality, they will escalate,» he said. «I thought we would have learned by now what the regime did after the JCPOA. It built a vast missile arsenal. It literally built an empire of terror proxies that took Israel years of blood, effort and money to dismantle, backed by American support.»
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Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf speaks during a press conference in Tehran, Iran, Nov. 27, 2024. (Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via REUTERS)
«If we engage in pay-to-play with these guys,» he added, «I’m sorry to sound the alarm bell like this — but something tells me this is bad either way.»
Fox News Digital reached out to the White House for comment.
war with iran, iran, sanctions, benjamin netanyahu, treaties
INTERNACIONAL
WATCH: Dana White drops 2028 hints while raving about his favorite Trump cabinet secretary
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Political heavyweight Dana White, whose endorsement of President Donald Trump was instrumental in his 2024 victory, is now hinting that he may jump back into presidential politics in 2028 because he has «become really close» with Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
This comes as White’s UFC announced a rare «sports diplomacy» partnership with the State Department this week. White and Rubio signed a memorandum of understanding establishing the partnership last month, according to a UFC statement. The league said that as part of the agreement, UFC athletes and coaches will serve as «sports ambassadors» for young athletes around the world through the State Department’s Sports Envoy Program.
White was explicitly asked by OutKick’s Tomi Lahren, whether there are any leaders he is looking at for 2028, to which he responded, «It’s funny, As I was, leading up to the White House fight, doing all this media, you know, a lot of the left media was saying to me, ‘So, you’re out of politics after this, right?’ And I can’t remember who it was that I said it to but … I said, ‘I’ve become really close to Rubio.’ We’ve become really close.»
«People are asking me if I’m going to get out of politics when the president leaves and I just said, ‘I’ve become very close to Rubio.’ He and I have become friends,» he emphasized.
RUBIO ANNOUNCES FRAMEWORK DEAL BETWEEN ISRAEL AND LEBANON AS EXPERTS WARN IRAN WILL FIGHT TO SABOTAGE IT
UFC President and CEO Dana White and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio shake hands as they participate in a Memorandum of Understanding signing ceremony at the State Department in Washington, DC, on June 11, 2026. (Brendan SMIALOWSKI / AFP via Getty Images)
White said that Rubio «is a great guy, I like him,» adding, «He’s smart, I like the way he handles himself.»
He also said, «I’ve met his sons, and I like his kids and, you know, so, never say never.»
Pressed on whether Rubio is his official pick to succeed Trump as president, White clarified, «I’m not saying I’m picking.» He noted that he also likes Vice President JD Vance, who, alongside Rubio, is a rumored 2028 presidential frontrunner.
«JD is a great guy too,» said White, adding, «It’s a tricky situation, and I don’t know enough about politics to even comment on that, but, yeah, I don’t know, but it’s not a bad thing to have two strong candidates.»
Rubio and Vance are the two Republicans most discussed as possible successors to Trump. While Rubio ran for president in 2016, he has expressed support for Vance, calling him a «close friend» and saying the vice president «would be a great nominee if he decides he wants to do that.»
VIRAL MARCO RUBIO CLIP ON HIS VISION FOR AMERICA SPARKS MORE 2028 SPECULATION
Vice President JD Vance speaks during a visit to ALTA Refrigeration Inc., Aug. 21, 2025, in Peachtree City, Georgia. (Brynn Anderson/The Associated Press)
Though White stopped short of issuing a full-throated endorsement of Rubio, his partnership with the State Department through UFC underscores the high regard he appears to have for the secretary.
This is the first time the UFC has entered into such a partnership with the State Department. The NFL, which entered into a similar agreement in January, is the only other major sports organization to have signed such a formal agreement with the department.
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UFC Chief Operating Officer Lawrence Epstein said the league is «thrilled» about the partnership. He said it would allow the State Department and UFC to «work together to build bridges through community engagement.»
«We’re excited to join this program, led by Secretary Rubio, as UFC is a truly global organization with athletes representing 75 countries. We can’t wait to get started later this year,» said Epstein.
VANCE TAKES LEAD SELLING TRUMP’S IRAN GAMBLE AS RUBIO, HEGSETH AND RATCLIFFE CEDE SPOTLIGHT ON FRAGILE DEAL
President Donald Trump speaks with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and UFC CEO and President Dana White during UFC 327 at Kaseya Center on April 11, 2026, in Miami, Florida. (Julia Demaree Nikhinson – Pool / Getty Images)
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In turn, Rubio spoke very highly of the UFC, saying it «has become a global phenomenon by embracing values that resonate far beyond the Octagon: excellence, discipline, opportunity, and meritocracy.»
The secretary said the State Department is «proud» to launch the sports diplomacy partnership with UFC and to «continue growing the sport of MMA.»
ufc, marco rubio, politics, donald trump, jd vance, state department, elections
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No solo la sequía mata a los árboles: descubren en Europa el efecto letal de las primaveras favorables
La mortalidad prematura de los árboles en Europa no responde solo a las sequías extremas: un estudio sobre bosques de Francia encontró que primaveras inusualmente cálidas o húmedas, incluso cuando parecen favorables para el crecimiento, también elevan el riesgo de muerte en los años siguientes.
El trabajo analizó datos del inventario forestal francés entre 2015 y 2023 y se apoyó en una base de 500.000 árboles de 52 especies.
Según el equipo de investigadores, esa cobertura permite detectar patrones que van más allá de episodios aislados y trasladar las conclusiones a otras regiones europeas.
La investigación fue codirigida por el Laboratorio de Ciencias del Clima y el Medio Ambiente y el Instituto Federal Suizo de Investigación sobre Bosques, Nieve y Paisaje. Sus resultados, publicados en Nature Communications, apuntan a una combinación de anomalías climáticas estacionales como detonante de la pérdida de árboles.
Pascal Schneider, doctorando del Instituto Federal Suizo de Investigación sobre Bosques, Nieve y Paisaje y autor principal del estudio, explicó que esto “aumenta su demanda de agua y las vuelve más vulnerables en cuanto las condiciones se vuelven secas”. El investigador agregó que, si después llega un verano seco, las reservas del suelo ya están agotadas y el estrés hídrico aparece antes.
El estudio encontró que las condiciones de crecimiento que suelen considerarse ideales también pueden tener un costo posterior. Los árboles altos como el abeto plateado murieron en mayor número después de primaveras cálidas y húmedas.
Según Schneider, en esos períodos, los árboles crecen con más vigor del habitual y consumen más agua desde comienzos de año. Ese mayor gasto anticipado reduce el margen de respuesta cuando la estación siguiente trae escasez hídrica.
El equipo también planteó que las primaveras húmedas pueden favorecer la expansión de patógenos como los hongos. Ese factor añade presión sobre ejemplares que ya llegan debilitados a los meses secos.
El problema no es un solo evento extremo sino la suma de anomalías climáticas. “Nuestros resultados muestran que no es solo una ‘sequía de verano’ la que causa problemas a los árboles. Según la especie, una escasez de agua que aumenta lentamente puede tener más impacto que una sequía breve e intensa, o al revés”, describió Schneider.
Esa conclusión modifica la lectura más extendida sobre el deterioro forestal. El estudio sostiene que la muerte de los árboles no depende únicamente de un episodio extremo individual, sino de la combinación entre desvíos estacionales respecto del clima habitual.
En ese encadenamiento también aparecen los inviernos inusualmente suaves. Con temperaturas invernales más altas, las plagas sobreviven mejor, y las primaveras cálidas adelantan la brotación, lo que deja a las hojas jóvenes más expuestas a heladas tardías.
Los investigadores llegaron a esas conclusiones con una combinación de modelos informáticos y aprendizaje automático. El enfoque comparó distintos subconjuntos de datos del inventario para medir cómo las desviaciones estacionales del clima influyen en la mortalidad de los árboles.
Schneider sostuvo que la práctica forestal deberá dar más peso a árboles resistentes a la sequía procedentes de regiones del sur. Esa selección, indicó, puede aplicarse tanto a poblaciones de especies ya utilizadas como a la elección de otras nuevas.
El trabajo también plantea intervenir antes sobre los árboles grandes que consumen mucha agua. La idea es retirarlos algo más temprano para que los ejemplares restantes dispongan de una porción suficiente del recurso en verano.
El aclareo de masas forestales aparece como otra medida central, sobre todo después de períodos que, en apariencia, fueron buenos para el crecimiento. Según el estudio, esa gestión puede ayudar a que el agua disponible alcance para el rodal remanente.
El análisis se concentró en Francia porque su inventario forestal reúne una variedad de condiciones geográficas y climáticas que van del ambiente mediterráneo al alpino.
Para los investigadores, esa diversidad permite aplicar los resultados al resto de Europa, donde desde hace unos 20 años se multiplican las señales de muerte prematura de árboles, con un deterioro que en algunas regiones ya supera al observado en la década de 1980 por la contaminación del aire.
bosque,árboles muertos,Europa,daño forestal,laderas
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Maine state Rep. Valli Geiger, a Rockland Democrat, former nurse and former mayor, is drawing sudden national attention after saying embattled Democratic Senate nominee Graham Platner encouraged her to consider taking his place on the ballot in the Maine Senate race if he withdraws.
Geiger has not been named the replacement nominee, and Platner has not formally dropped out. However, her name entered the Maine Senate scramble after she told local outlet WMTW that Platner called her Monday night, praised her as a «fighter» and asked whether he could put her name forward. Platner’s campaign told the outlet he had not made an endorsement decision but confirmed he encouraged Geiger to consider running if he stepped aside.
After Geiger said Platner called her about potentially putting her name forward, Geiger posted Tuesday she would not «throw Graham under the bus,» while also saying she would not «slander or accuse» Jenny Racicot, the woman who accused Platner of rape, «of anything more than telling the truth as she experienced it.»
By Wednesday, local outlets were reporting that Geiger said Platner had encouraged her to consider running if he withdrew. Platner has denied the claim.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT IF PLATNER DROPS OUT? HERE’S WHO COULD REPLACE HIM ON THE BALLOT AND HOW IT COULD WORK
Graham Platner Maine State Rep. Valli Geiger (Maine State Legislature/Getty Images)
Geiger is a third-term Democratic state representative from Rockland, according to her legislative biography, representing a coastal House district in Maine that includes Rockland, Criehaven Township, Matinicus Isle Plantation, the Muscle Ridge Islands, North Haven and part of Owls Head. Her biography says she serves on the Labor Committee and the Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee.
Before entering the state legislature, Geiger served six years on the Rockland City Council, including one year as mayor and four years on the Rockland Comprehensive Planning Commission, three of them as chair.
Her biography says she holds a master’s degree in sustainable design and built her own passive-solar, net-zero-energy house. It also describes her as a former nurse at Pen Bay Medical Center who later worked as a health policy analyst and health administrator, including as director of the Healthreach Hospice program and clinical director for Federally Qualified Health Centers around Maine.
The Maine State Capitol May 18, 2026, in Augusta, Maine. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
PLATNER CAMPAIGN PUTTING ‘THUMB ON SCALE’ TO INFLUENCE POSSIBLE REPLACEMENT, MAINE DEM ALLEGES
Geiger’s connection to Platner predates the latest replacement speculation. Local reporting has described her as a close Platner supporter, and WMTW reported she previously stood with him and credited him with helping secure funding for rape kit tracking in Maine.
In her Facebook post responding to Racicot’s allegation, Geiger wrote that Racicot’s story «seems credible» but added that «none of us knows the truth nor will we ever.» She also described Platner as «a man becoming a better man» and said she had hoped he would lead the political movement his campaign had built and will not «throw Graham under the bus.»
In the post, Geiger also praised Platner’s «passion for economic populism» and said she had granted him «an enormous amount of grace» for his behavior during what she described as his «dark years» after multiple deployments.
Dr. Nirav D. Shah, director of the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention, speaks during a news conference about COVID-19 at Maine Emergency Management Agency in Augusta. (Derek Davis/Portland Press Herald via Getty Images)
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The Maine state representative is not the only Democrat whose name has surfaced as Maine Democrats prepare for the possibility that Platner exits the race against Republican Sen. Susan Collins.
Several Democrats have expressed interest or are considering bids, including former gubernatorial candidate Troy Jackson, Secretary of State Shenna Bellows and former Maine CDC Director Nirav Shah.
Under Maine law, if Platner formally withdraws as the Democratic nominee by 5 p.m. on July 13, the Maine Democratic Party can replace him on the general election ballot by selecting a new nominee through its party process, with the replacement required to be chosen by July 27.
Fox News Digital’s Andrew Mark Miller and Paul Steinhauser contributed to this report.
democrats senate, graham platner, senate elections, maine
WATCH: Dana White drops 2028 hints while raving about his favorite Trump cabinet secretary
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