Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, a key figure in the recent peace negotiations with the US, issued a strong warning to Washington following President Donald Trump’s announcement of plans to blockade ships entering or exiting the Strait of Hormuz. Qalibaf, in statements reported by Iranian state media, dismissed Trump’s threats, asserting they would not affect Iran and emphasizing Iran’s genuine efforts in the talks. Despite expressing goodwill and progress in negotiations, Qalibaf cautioned that Iran would respond firmly if provoked.
The high-level discussions between the US and Iran, held in Islamabad after a recent ceasefire declaration, marked the first direct meeting in over a decade and the most significant engagement since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. However, Vice President JD Vance, leading the US delegation, confirmed that no agreement was reached, with implications more concerning for Iran than the US.
In a significant escalation, President Trump declared the imminent blockade of ships at the Strait of Hormuz due to Iran’s alleged failure to uphold commitments, citing concerns over naval mines hindering maritime activities. Reacting to this, the Revolutionary Guards assured full control over the strait and warned of strong action against any perceived breaches.
Qalibaf later criticized the US for failing to build trust during the talks, pointing out Iran’s skepticism towards Washington’s intentions due to past conflicts. Despite Iran’s positive contributions, he underscored the need for Washington to demonstrate sincerity and earn Tehran’s confidence. The responsibility, according to Qalibaf, now rests with the US to rebuild trust with Iran.