Hormuz Strait will ‘never return’ to pre-war status, Iran’s Ghalibaf says | US-Israel war on Iran News
Iran Awaits U.S. Response on War Conditions, Parliament Speaker Says
TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Iran’s parliament speaker and chief negotiator, announced that Tehran is awaiting an official response from the United States regarding its seven conditions for ending the ongoing conflict in the region.
In an exclusive interview with Al Jazeera, Ghalibaf emphasized that the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global oil shipments, will “never return” to its status prior to the U.S.-Israel war against Iran. He stated that Iran and Oman have reached an agreement to oversee the strait, which plays a crucial role in international trade.
“There are no ‘free waters’ [international waters] there, and the 1982 U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea does not apply to the strait. The regulations within the Strait of Hormuz are governed by the laws of the two littoral states that border it,” Ghalibaf noted.
Seven Conditions for Peace
Ghalibaf detailed that Iran has communicated its seven conditions for peace talks through a Qatari mediator and is now waiting for a response from the U.S. “The ball is now in the American court,” he stated.
The conditions outlined by Iran include the lifting of the U.S.-imposed naval blockade and sanctions, the release of Iranian frozen assets, a cessation of hostilities on all fronts, and an official declaration of the end of the war.
Ghalibaf asserted that these demands, formulated as part of the Islamabad memorandum of understanding signed in June, must be met before negotiations can commence with the U.S. He expressed that a successful agreement is possible if the U.S. adheres to the agreed terms without imposing excessive demands that could undermine trust.
“What stands in the way of an agreement is our lack of trust in the United States,” Ghalibaf said.
Concerns Over Renewed Conflict
Ghalibaf voiced concerns regarding potential U.S. military actions against Iran, suggesting that President Donald Trump could face considerable political pressure from an incoming Congress. He expressed Iran’s desire to move beyond a state of “no war and no peace,” advocating for a sustainable deterrent, including military capabilities.
Mediation in Yemen Conflict
Regarding the ongoing conflict in Yemen, Ghalibaf stated that no external interference should occur. He indicated that Iran would consider offering assistance if both the Yemeni government and Saudi Arabia seek help to resolve their disputes. Iran has previously proposed to mediate talks between Saudi Arabia and the Houthi group in October, following a series of attacks in the region.
Ghalibaf’s comments reflect Iran’s strategic positioning as it navigates complex regional dynamics and seeks to end hostilities while asserting its influence in ongoing conflicts.
