Trump urges Iranians to 'behave properly' as Kalibaf warns of existential conflict

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — U.S. President Donald Trump has called on Iranians to "behave properly," as Iranian parliament speaker and lead negotiator Mohammad Bagher Kalibaf described the confrontation with the United States as "fundamental and existential." In remarks carried by Iranian media, Kalibaf said the aim of the U.S. campaign is to topple the Iranian regime and break the country apart. Trump, speaking to reporters, said he does "not like setting deadlines" on U.S. military operations against Iran. He added that American representatives remain in contact with Tehran and that negotiations aimed at reaching a deal are continuing. U.S. forces have carried out airstrikes on Iranian targets following drone attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. president warned that if Tehran does not reach an agreement, American strikes will be expanded next week to include energy facilities and bridges. Kalibaf, for his part, said Iran does not want war but will use diplomacy and negotiations to protect national interests. The exchanges underscore the gap between Washington's military pressure and Tehran's framing of the dispute as a fight for national survival. No further details on the timeline or scope of potential operations were immediately available.