Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf highlighted the critical link between Iran’s national security and the maintenance of “Iranian arrangements” in the administration of the Strait of Hormuz. He stated that Tehran will resist any attempts by the “enemy” to impose its will. Qalibaf, who also leads Iran’s negotiating team, emphasized the importance of aligning Iran’s approaches in war or negotiations with national interests, security, realism, and long-term strategy.
Qalibaf expressed Iran’s reluctance towards war but emphasized the necessity of being prepared to defend national security and interests. He advocated for a dual strategy of diplomacy and negotiation to safeguard national interests. Referring to a recent peace memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the United States, Qalibaf stressed that the agreement would only hold significance if its terms were respected and fulfilled. He warned that if Iran does not benefit from the deal, there would be no reason to uphold it.
The peace MoU, signed on June 18 to end regional conflicts, including in Lebanon, faces uncertainty as clashes between Iranian and US forces escalate. Simultaneously, the US military launched a fresh round of strikes against Iran, targeting Iranian military capabilities threatening vessels navigating the Strait of Hormuz.
