Iran Speaker Declares Permanent Control Over Strait of Hormuz, Citing US Talks
Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated on Monday that the Strait of Hormuz will never revert to its pre-war status, asserting that Tehran will manage the strategic waterway. His remarks, reported by Iranian state media Press TV, come after the initial round of talks with the United States in Switzerland.
Speaking to Press TV, Ghalibaf said, “Everyone should know that the administration of the Strait of Hormuz will never go back to the way it was before the war. Of course, international regulations will be observed, but Iran will administer the Strait of Hormuz.” The strait is a critical maritime passage for global oil shipments.
His comments followed his return from Switzerland, where he participated in high-stakes talks between Iran and the US. These talks are part of a 14-point memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the two sides, aimed at reducing tensions.
Ghalibaf also claimed that Iran demonstrated negotiating leverage during the talks, asserting that Tehran influenced the outcome. He alleged that Iran pressured the US to revise a social media post by President Donald Trump, which had threatened Iran over its support for regional proxies, within an hour. However, he reiterated that Iran’s trust in the US remains weak. “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.
He further claimed that Iran’s participation in the talks helped prevent further escalation in regional conflicts, stating, “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.” The talks also covered Lebanon’s territorial integrity and regional ceasefire arrangements, with Ghalibaf emphasising that Iran would monitor these developments.
Ghalibaf also underscored the role of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei, in ultimate decision-making. “We must remain united under the leadership of Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei and recognise that his word and directives are final,” he said.
According to Ghalibaf, the outcomes of the US-Iran talks include the release of frozen Iranian funds and easing of oil sanctions. US Vice President JD Vance had earlier suggested that the Trump administration could unfreeze Iranian assets for purchases of US agricultural products. Both sides have agreed to a 60-day roadmap for a final agreement, established a Lebanon "de-confliction" mechanism, set up a direct communication line for the Strait of Hormuz, and approved trade, oil, and asset relief measures.
