In an interview on state television, the Iranian official confirmed that the discussions were particularly stalled on two major issues: the situation in the Strait of Hormuz and questions related to the nuclear program.
“We have always worked towards normalizing traffic in the Strait of Hormuz,” he said, attributing recent disturbances to the failure to abide by the ceasefire in Lebanon. He also emphasized that Iran would not accept foreign ships freely circulating in the area if its own vessels were hindered.
Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf also accused the United States of considering military actions under the guise of securing navigation, while asserting that these initiatives did not receive support from NATO. “By their own admission and according to international public opinion, we are victorious,” he declared.
Acknowledging the military disparity between Iran and the United States, he nevertheless argued that the Iranian strategy had managed to stand up to Washington. He notably accused US President Donald Trump of underestimating the Iranian resistance and being forced to declare a ceasefire after several weeks of confrontation.
The Iranian official further reaffirmed that any ceasefire agreement should include Lebanon, citing the role of Hezbollah as an ally committed to Tehran’s side in the conflict.
“For years, Hezbollah fought against the Zionist regime, but in the recent conflict, it fought alongside the Islamic Republic,” Ghalibaf explained. “The resistance front came to the aid of the Islamic Republic. Therefore, the establishment of a ceasefire must also include it, and that was the condition set by Iran for a ceasefire in the region.”
Finally, he accused the United States of violating the truce by conducting demining operations in the Strait of Hormuz, warning that Iran had threatened to open fire if these maneuvers continued. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf concluded by condemning Donald Trump’s statements, which he described as “masters of lies and psychological warfare.”
