By Fredrick Ameh
Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Saeed Khatibzadeh, has criticized Donald Trump for what he described as contradictory and inconsistent rhetoric as diplomatic tensions between the two nations continue to escalate.
Speaking on Saturday, April 18, 2026, on the sidelines of a major diplomatic forum in Antalya, Turkey, Khatibzadeh dismissed recent claims by the U.S. President regarding progress toward a peace deal.
While Trump asserted on April 16 that the U.S. was “very close” to an agreement and that Iran had “agreed to almost everything,” Khatibzadeh countered that no date has been set for further talks due to a lack of an agreed-upon framework.
“The U.S. president talks too much,” Khatibzadeh said, noting that Trump’s statements often lack clarity and coherence. “He said contradictory things within the same statement. I don’t know exactly what he meant.”
The verbal exchange occurs during a fragile two-week ceasefire mediated by Pakistan. Despite the pause in active hostilities, the U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports remains in effect, a point of contention that recently led Iran to briefly re-close the Strait of Hormuz.
Khatibzadeh reiterated that while Tehran is not seeking war and believes conflict yields no positive results, the nation remains ready to defend its sovereignty. He warned that any form of aggression would be met with a decisive response.
As the Antalya forum continues with over 20 heads of state in attendance, global stakeholders remain on high alert. The ongoing uncertainty regarding nuclear enrichment pauses and maritime access continues to pressure global energy markets and regional security.