As negotiations between Washington and Tehran continue, a new message from Iran's security establishment is drawing attention. While U.S. and Iranian officials have publicly described talks as progressing, Mohammad Baqer Zolqadr, head of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, delivered a defiant message saying that "retreat will not happen" and that "Americans and Zionists must become desperate." The remarks come as discussions continue over ending the conflict, reopening the Strait of Hormuz and addressing Iran's nuclear program. Iran has also stated that there is currently no fixed timetable for finalizing any agreement with the United States. The comments highlight the gap between diplomatic optimism and the hardline rhetoric still emerging from key figures inside Tehran's security apparatus.