Hormuz Won't Return to Pre-War Status: Iran Parliament Speaker
Ghalibaf claimed that Iran demonstrated significant negotiating leverage during the talks in Switzerland and was able to influence the outcome of discussions
Tehran: Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has said that the Strait of Hormuz will not return to its pre-war operational status and asserted that Iran will manage the strategic waterway under its own arrangements while continuing to observe international regulations.
According to Iranian state media Press TV, Ghalibaf made the remarks on Monday (local time) upon returning from Switzerland after the conclusion of the initial round of technical talks with the United States under a 14-point memorandum of understanding between the two countries.
"Everyone should know that the administration of the Strait of Hormuz will never go back to the way it was before the war," Ghalibaf said. "Of course, international regulations will be observed, but Iran will administer the Strait of Hormuz."
He further claimed that Iran demonstrated significant negotiating leverage during the talks in Switzerland and was able to influence the outcome of discussions.
Ghalibaf alleged that Iran compelled the United States to revise a social media post within an hour in which US President Donald Trump had warned Iran against supporting its regional proxy groups, particularly in Lebanon, in a veiled reference to Hezbollah.
Referring to the broader regional situation, the Iranian Speaker said the negotiations were linked to wider conflicts, including developments in Lebanon, and reiterated Tehran's long-standing distrust of Washington.
"We have never trusted the Americans; we don't trust them now, and it is only reasonable to remain distrustful in the future," he said.
Ghalibaf also claimed that Iran's participation in the Switzerland talks helped prevent further escalation of regional tensions and addressed issues related to Lebanon's territorial integrity and ceasefire arrangements.
"Had we not gone to Switzerland for talks with the US, more blood would have been shed among Muslims and Shias in Lebanon at any moment," he said.
Reiterating Iran's political position, Ghalibaf called for national unity under the leadership of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei, saying his directives remain final.
"We must remain united under the leadership of Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei and recognise that his word and directives are final," he added.
The Parliament Speaker also claimed that the release of frozen Iranian funds and the easing of oil sanctions were among the outcomes of the recent Tehran-Washington discussions in Switzerland.
The remarks came after the initial round of technical talks aimed at ending hostilities in West Asia between the US and Iran. Both sides agreed to establish a High-Level Committee and prepare a roadmap toward a final agreement within 60 days.
