Iran's parliament speaker and chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, has issued a stark warning to the United States, stating that the continuation of the current situation regarding the Strait of Hormuz is 'intolerable' for Washington. In a post on X this morning, Ghalibaf declared that a 'new equation of the Strait of Hormuz is in the process of being solidified,' signaling a significant shift in Iran's strategic posture.
Ghalibaf's statement
Ghalibaf, who led the Iranian delegation in Pakistani-mediated talks with the US in Islamabad in April, elaborated on the escalating tensions. He asserted that 'the security of shipping and energy transit has been jeopardised by the United States and its allies through the violation of the ceasefire and the imposition of a blockade.' He added, 'Of course, their evil will diminish. We know full well that the continuation of the status quo is intolerable for America; while we have not even begun yet.'
Background of the conflict
Iran imposed a blockade on foreign shipping using the Strait of Hormuz shortly after the war began with a US-Israeli attack on 28 February, which resulted in the death of the country's former supreme leader. In response, US President Donald Trump imposed a counter-blockade of ships using Iranian ports on 13 April.
Trump's so-called 'Project Freedom,' which commenced yesterday, aims to use the US military to guide stranded cargo ships out of the strategic waterway. However, this move significantly increases the likelihood of a resumption of hostilities, as Iran's military central command has warned that it would strike any US naval vessel approaching the strait.
The situation remains highly volatile, with both sides taking provocative actions. The international community watches closely as the standoff over one of the world's most critical maritime chokepoints intensifies.
