Speaker of the Iranian parliament Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated that the United States and its allies have violated the ceasefire regime and established a blockade of Iranian ports, endangering the safety of maritime shipping and the transport of energy carriers. In a post on the social network X he emphasized that a new situation is forming in the Strait of Hormuz, and that maintaining the current state of affairs is becoming unsustainable for Washington. His statement came amid rising mutual threats and increased naval operations in the region.
Head of Iran’s judiciary Gholamhossein Mohseni-Eje’i warned that the enemy is focused on applying economic pressure, and the country will respond harshly to anyone who attempts to exploit the situation for their own interests. These words confirm Tehran’s determination to firmly confront any economic and political challenges. At the same time, diplomatic calls for de-escalation are coming from a number of regional powers.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called for adherence to the ceasefire between Washington and Tehran, noting that this would create the necessary diplomatic space for further dialogue. Meanwhile Israeli media report rising tensions: additional U.S. aircraft are arriving in Israel, and the country’s military is on heightened alert. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is holding continuous security consultations, preparing for any development.
Fox News, citing U.S. officials, reported that the United States is now “closer to resuming large-scale combat operations against Iran than 24 hours ago.” According to sources, the decision whether military action will resume depends on the U.S. president and Iranian leaders. It is emphasized that U.S. armed forces are fully prepared to respond and have already been rearmed.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the events in the Strait of Hormuz demonstrate clearly that “there is no military solution to the political crisis.” He called the American operation “Project Liberty” nothing other than “a dead-end project” and warned the U.S. and the UAE against being drawn into the conflict by unscrupulous parties. Mutual accusations of attacks continue in the region: the UAE reported intercepting missiles and drones, while Iran said it fired warning shots at a warship, and Washington claims to have sunk six Iranian boats. The Strait of Hormuz remains a key flashpoint, where Iran uses its strategic position and the U.S. responds with a naval blockade.
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Why is the Strait of Hormuz considered strategically important for global energy security, and how does Iran use its geographic position in this region? – The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow maritime passage through which about 20–25% of the world’s oil shipments and a significant portion of liquefied natural gas (LNG) transit. Any disruptions in its operation lead to spikes in energy prices and threaten economic stability. Iran uses its position to exert pressure on neighboring countries and world powers: for example, by threatening to close the strait in response to sanctions, conducting military exercises, or detaining commercial vessels. This gives Tehran leverage in negotiations without resorting to direct military conflict.
What role does Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf play in Iran’s political system, and how representative are his statements of the country’s official position? – Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf is the speaker of the Iranian parliament (Majlis) and a former mayor of Tehran. He is considered a conservative politician close to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, though he is not part of the senior clergy. His statements generally align with Iran’s official line, especially on foreign policy issues, but can be less diplomatic and more aimed at a domestic audience. The final position of the country is determined by the Supreme Leader, so Ghalibaf’s words should be seen as the view of an influential, but not sole, authority.
What are the economic and political relations between Iran and the UAE, and why have the UAE become involved in the current conflict around the Strait of Hormuz? – Economically, the UAE and Iran have long-standing trade ties, primarily through Dubai, which serves as a transit hub for Iranian goods and re-export. Politically, relations are complicated: the UAE supports Arab Sunni monarchies and holds territorial claims (the islands of Abu Musa and the Greater and Lesser Tunbs), but it also seeks pragmatic dialogue with Tehran. The UAE is drawn into the conflict over the Strait of Hormuz because of its dependence on imports that transit this route and its role as a major trading hub. When Iran threatens the strait, the UAE fears disruptions to oil and goods supplies, forcing it to balance between American allies and Iranian influence.
Full version: طهران تحذر من التصعيد وواشنطن تواصل الضغط في هرمز