Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf recently affirmed the nation’s absolute control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz. Consequently, Tehran views this vital shipping lane as its primary geopolitical asset and an uncompromisable sovereign right. During a televised interview on Tuesday, Ghalibaf clarified that a recent memorandum provides only temporary maritime fee exemptions.
The preliminary diplomatic understanding with the United States does not alter Iran’s permanent legal positioning. Furthermore, the speaker strongly rejected American accusations regarding the alleged militarization of these critical territorial waters. Instead, he described the strategic passage as a divine gift that reinforces the country’s defense capabilities.
Iranian forces restricted maritime access following recent military escalations involving American and Israeli forces in the region. Specifically, officials tightened shipping controls after U.S. President Donald Trump continued a naval blockade against Iranian vessels. However, Clause Five of the new agreement authorizes Iran and Oman to manage future waterway administration jointly.
Ghalibaf emphasized that Tehran will delay further implementation until parties fulfill five core initial provisions. Accordingly, these essential conditions require ending regional conflicts, restoring Lebanese sovereignty, and lifting the ongoing naval blockade. Meanwhile, the extensive framework also demands securing domestic oil exports and releasing various frozen financial assets abroad.
To ensure compliance, Iran and the United States already appointed representatives to a joint oversight mechanism. Simultaneously, Lebanon must select its own delegate before this trilateral oversight committee begins its official monitoring duties.
Ghalibaf characterized these diplomatic negotiations as a strategic extension of Iran’s ongoing geopolitical struggle. Indeed, he argued that robust domestic military power effectively underpins the legal authority of any diplomatic endeavor. As a result of lifting the recent blockade, Iran rapidly exported forty million barrels of crude oil. Consequently, negotiators established a renewable sixty-day timeline to ensure the complete removal of all international economic sanctions.