Ghalibaf Calls for Constant Readiness to Defend Iran

Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said Iran’s national security depends on protecting “Iranian arrangements” in the Strait of Hormuz and keeping the strategic waterway safe for commercial ships.

In a message to the Iranian nation released on Wednesday evening, Ghalibaf said Iran had also insisted on protecting these arrangements during negotiations and would strongly oppose any attempt to weaken them.

He said Iran is in a complex confrontation with the United States and claimed Washington’s goal is not only to weaken the Islamic Republic but also to create divisions inside the country.

Ghalibaf said Iran must rely on its own capabilities because the US continues to put pressure on Tehran. He added that whether Iran is fighting or negotiating, its decisions should be based on realism, national interests, and long-term planning.

He described the Strait of Hormuz as a key part of Iran’s national security. He said keeping “Iranian arrangements” in place and ensuring the safe and smooth passage of commercial ships helps strengthen Iran’s security.

Ghalibaf said that after the start of the third imposed war in March, Iran’s armed forces took control of the Strait of Hormuz. He added that this issue was included in Article 5 of the agreement during negotiations to help secure Iran’s interests.

He accused the United States of trying to weaken the Iranian arrangements in the Strait of Hormuz through political pressure after the agreement entered its implementation phase. He said Iran would continue to defend the gains it had achieved.

Ghalibaf said the pressure from Iran’s enemies is an attempt to make up for their failures, but Iran will not allow anyone to force its will on the country.

He added that negotiations do not mean surrender. Instead, he said diplomacy and military strength should work together as part of Iran’s strategy to protect its national interests.

Ghalibaf also said Iran is facing one of the world’s strongest powers, making the current situation difficult and requiring careful decisions.

He stressed that the final decision on war and negotiations belongs to the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, who is the commander-in-chief of Iran’s armed forces.

He said protecting the rights of the Iranian people requires following the Leader’s guidance and using both defensive strength and diplomacy in a balanced and intelligent way.