Iranian lawmaker: Pezeshkian and Araqchi not decision-makers in Tehran

Mohammad Seraj, a member of the Social Affairs Committee in Iran's parliament, has said that "the Americans pay little attention to statements by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Reza Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi," stressing that neither holds decision-making power in Tehran.

Speaking to Iranian media, Seraj explained that "Washington understands that Iran's overall foreign policy is determined by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, which makes statements from other officials less significant in the eyes of the Americans."

Seraj also revealed that "U.S. President Donald Trump rejected a seven-day ceasefire proposal put forward by Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi," attributing the refusal to the heavy losses Iran is suffering due to the ongoing maritime blockade.

He added that "such initiatives do not receive a response from the American side as long as they do not come from the highest authorities responsible for foreign policy in Iran."