Hormuz Will Not Return to Pre-War Status, Iran Will Administer Strait: Parliament Speaker

Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has declared that the Strait of Hormuz will never return to its pre-war operational framework, stating that Tehran will oversee the strategic maritime route under its own arrangements while continuing to observe international regulations.

Iran Signals New Approach to Strait of Hormuz

Speaking upon his return from Switzerland following the first round of technical talks with the United States under a 14-point memorandum of understanding, Ghalibaf said Iran would play a central role in managing the vital shipping corridor.

"Everyone should know that the administration of the Strait of Hormuz will never go back to the way it was before the war," he said.

"Of course, international regulations will be observed, but Iran will administer the Strait of Hormuz," he added.

The Speaker also said Iran demonstrated significant leverage during the recent negotiations, claiming Tehran influenced developments during the talks. He alleged that Iran compelled the United States to revise a social media post within an hour after US President Donald Trump warned Iran against supporting regional "proxy groups," particularly in Lebanon.

Switzerland Talks and Regional Security

Referring to the broader regional situation, Ghalibaf said the Switzerland negotiations were closely linked to ongoing tensions across West Asia, including developments in Lebanon.

"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.

According to Ghalibaf, Iran's participation in the talks helped prevent a further escalation of violence in the region.

"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.

He added that discussions also covered Lebanon's territorial integrity and ceasefire arrangements, with Tehran continuing to monitor developments closely.

Supreme Leader's Authority and Sanctions Relief

Reiterating Iran's political position, Ghalibaf called for national unity under the country's leadership and stressed the authority of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei.

"We must remain united under the leadership of Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei and recognise that his word and directives are final," the speaker added.

Ghalibaf further claimed that recent talks between Tehran and Washington resulted in progress on the release of frozen Iranian assets and the easing of sanctions on Iranian oil exports.

The remarks came after the conclusion of the first round of technical discussions under the memorandum of understanding aimed at ending hostilities between the United States and Iran in West Asia. Both sides have agreed to establish a High-Level Committee and prepare a roadmap toward a final agreement within 60 days.

(With inputs from ANI)