TEHRAN: Iran’s parliament speaker stated on Wednesday that the Islamic Republic will not reopen the Strait of Hormuz as long as the U.S. naval blockade is in effect, deeming it a “clear violation of the ceasefire.”
Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf shared his views on X, emphasizing that a true ceasefire has little meaning when disrupted by a naval blockade. He affirmed that without addressing this violation, the Strait of Hormuz cannot be reopened.
This announcement comes amid ongoing tensions, even as U.S. President Donald Trump extended the two-week ceasefire and suggested that peace talks with Iran could begin again in the next few days. Trump noted that the ceasefire was prolonged at Pakistan’s request to allow more time for diplomatic efforts, but he insisted that the U.S. blockade would stay in place until a deal was finalized.
Iran has refused to negotiate while facing what it calls military pressure. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei stated that Iran seeks diplomacy only when it aligns with its national interests. He recognized Pakistan’s efforts to mediate the conflict but emphasized that Iran will take all necessary actions to protect its security.
Baghaei pointed out that the U.S. blockade, along with the seizure of commercial ships and threats of further attacks, has created significant obstacles to effective negotiation.
Earlier reports from Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency indicated that Tehran has definitively decided not to join the second round of peace talks in Islamabad, and Pakistani negotiators have been informed.
Pakistan, which has been playing a mediating role, has urged the United States to lift the blockade and release an Iranian ship and its crew to promote diplomatic dialogue. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed gratitude to Trump for extending the ceasefire and hoped both parties would adhere to the truce and work towards a comprehensive peace agreement.
In a related development, Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) announced it had seized two vessels attempting to navigate the Strait of Hormuz without proper authorization. The IRGC identified the ships as MSC Francesca and Epaminondes, stating they jeopardized maritime security by lacking necessary permits and tampering with navigation systems. The seized vessels were redirected toward the Iranian coast, raising further concerns about security in this crucial waterway, a vital route for global oil supplies.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a focal point in the ongoing standoff, with Tehran leveraging its geographical position while Washington continues to exert pressure through its naval presence in the Gulf.
