Ghalibaf: US blockade stems from thoughtlessness and ignorance

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf made notable remarks regarding US-Iran negotiations and the situation in the Strait of Hormuz.

In a released video statement addressing the Iranian people, Ghalibaf touched upon allegations that the US military had begun mine-clearing operations in Hormuz during negotiations held in Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan.

Ghalibaf said, "Dear people of Iran, the Strait of Hormuz is under the control of the Islamic Republic (of Iran). We responded decisively to the US mine-clearing attempt and considered it a violation of the ceasefire. The situation reached the point of conflict, but the enemy retreated."

Recalling that they had called on the negotiating delegation for the immediate withdrawal of US elements, Ghalibaf stated, "I told the US delegation in Islamabad that if their minesweeper moves one step further from where it is, we will definitely open fire. They asked for 15 minutes, received instructions to turn back, and withdrew."

"If the US does not lift the blockade, passage through Hormuz will be restricted"

The Iranian Parliament Speaker said, "If passage through the strait is possible today, it is because we control the strait. The Americans have been declaring a blockade for a few days; this is a decision born of thoughtlessness and ignorance. It is not possible for others to pass through the Strait of Hormuz while we cannot."

Ghalibaf added, "If the US does not lift the blockade, passage through the Strait of Hormuz will certainly be restricted."