Iran Parliament Speaker: Hormuz Strait Won't Open Until Demands Met

The Chairman of the Iranian Parliament, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, declared on Sunday that the Strait of Hormuz will not be reopened until Iran's seven stated conditions, based on the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, are met. In a speech to parliament, Ghalibaf revealed that the United States recently conveyed proposals to Iran through a mediator. "The Americans, who say something different in the media, have recently put forward proposals through a mediator," he stated, adding, "But they must understand that the period of time-wasting and dictating unilateral demands is over. The Islamic Republic's position is clear and unambiguous."

Ghalibaf asserted that Iran's policy and national security are not determined by "tweets or daily interviews of American officials" but by the "actual actions of the enemy." He described Iran's approach as a combination of fighting and diplomacy, stating, "We are both fighting and negotiating." He further claimed that Iran is "fully present" militarily and will surprise its adversary with "new surprises," while simultaneously using diplomatic tools to solidify its military advantage. "I have said many times that in negotiations, the one who has prepared himself for war wins," he added.

The Parliament Chairman accused the U.S. of waging a "war of consciousness" against Iran, involving economic pressure, military actions, and escalating threats with contradictory statements. He suggested the aim of these contradictions is to sow confusion within Iranian society and disrupt leadership decisions, calling it an "illusion."

Ghalibaf also referenced the October 7th attack by Hamas, calling the perpetrators "brave Palestinian fighters" and quoting a figure he referred to as "the martyred Imam" who described the event as an "irreversible defeat" for Israel. He argued that Israel's global image has been damaged, making superpower support more difficult and causing the "pillars of its national security doctrine" to collapse.

He also addressed the Iranian police, announcing that strengthening the force, equipping it with advanced technology, and improving the salaries of its officers and security personnel are a "top priority" for parliament. Ghalibaf concluded by stating that Iran and the "Axis of Resistance" are at "peak strength" and that Tehran will not allow "enemy illusions" to materialize.

Separately, U.S. War Secretary warned Iran on Saturday that it must choose to abandon its nuclear program or face having it imposed "the hard way." the US War Secretary asserted U.S. control over the Strait of Hormuz, stating that America can maintain the blockade on Iran for as long as necessary. He surprisingly claimed that more oil is currently transiting the Strait of Hormuz than before the recent conflict began, attributing this to "exceptional pilots" controlling the airspace.