Ghalibaf Hails ‘Great Victories’ of Iranian Nation Against Enemy
TEHRAN – Parliament Speaker Muhammad Bagher Ghalibaf said Iran’s national security lies in preserving the “Iranian arrangements” governing the Strait of Hormuz, declaring that the United States is seeking to compensate for its failures by increasing pressure on Tehran but will not be allowed to impose its will on the Islamic Republic.
In a statement issued on Wednesday outlining his assessment of the ongoing war and recent developments, Ghalibaf said Iran has achieved “great victories” in a complex war against “the world’s greatest material power,” adding that the country’s political and military
decision-making must be equally “great, complex and resilient.”
“The enemy is trying to compensate for its defeat by increasing pressure, but Iran, relying on its own power, will not allow the enemy to impose its will,” he said.
Ghalibaf said Iran has acted correctly by closing the Strait of Hormuz during what he referred to as the 40-day war, stating that the waterway has become a source of threats to Iran’s national security.
“Today our national security lies in preserving the Iranian arrangements in the Strait of Hormuz and ensuring the maximum safe and harmless passage of commercial vessels through this waterway so that it serves Iran’s security,” he said.
He said Iran’s Armed Forces established control over the strategic waterway at the start of the third imposed war and that, during subsequent negotiations, Tehran succeeded in enshrining the “Iranian arrangements” for the Strait in Article 5 of a memorandum of understanding.
According to Ghalibaf, the provision serves as leverage for securing the implementation of the agreement’s other commitments, while the United States, lacking legal and diplomatic grounds, is now attempting to weaken those arrangements through military pressure.
“We must stand by the achievements obtained in the memorandum so that the rights of the Iranian nation are realized,” he said.
Ghalibaf said Iran’s approach should combine military strength and diplomacy, stating that the two are complementary instruments for safeguarding national interests rather than opposing choices.
“We should neither fear war nor negotiations. War and negotiations are two methods of protecting national interests,” he said.
He stressed that negotiations at the present stage should not be interpreted as compromise but rather as part of Iran’s broader strategy of resistance and protection of national interests alongside military preparedness.
“Separating these two approaches or choosing only one of them as the sole solution would constitute a strategic mistake,” he said.
Ghalibaf described Iran as being engaged in an existential conflict with the United States, stating that Washington’s long-standing objective remains the overthrow of the Islamic Republic and the fragmentation of Iran.
“This strategy has not changed,” he said, adding that the United States will continue seeking to undermine Iran regardless of whether relations are characterized by conflict or negotiations.
He said Iran therefore has no alternative but to rely on its own capabilities and strengthen its national power.
According to Ghalibaf, the resistance shown by the Iranian people and the Armed Forces during the 40-day war thwarted the enemy’s plans and compelled it to seek a ceasefire and negotiations without altering its broader strategy toward Iran.
He reiterated that Iran has never sought war but must always remain prepared to defend its national security and interests while simultaneously employing diplomacy whenever it serves those objectives.
Addressing the recently signed memorandum of understanding, Ghalibaf said any agreement is meaningful only if all of its provisions are respected and implemented.
“If the Islamic Republic of Iran does not benefit from the memorandum, then based on the policy of ‘an eye for an eye,’ we have no reason to remain committed to such an understanding,” he said, adding that Iran’s Armed Forces currently possess full operational freedom to respond to enemy aggression.
Ghalibaf said the distinction between war and negotiations should always be determined by national security and national interests, while decisions regarding the appropriate use of either instrument rest with the Leader of the Islamic Revolution and Commander-in-Chief.
He called on all political groups and segments of Iranian society to preserve unity and follow the guidance of the Leader during what he described as a sensitive period for the country.
“We have a difficult road ahead,” he said. “The enemy has threatened us before with naval forces, air strikes and ground attacks, and it has already seen the results. We should not fear its threats.”
Ghalibaf also urged Iranians not to be influenced by reports that, he said, are intended to create disappointment, distrust and division within society.
“The enemy covets despair, fear, discord and mutual distrust,” he said, adding that continued public support for those serving in Iran’s defense, diplomatic and public service sectors would strengthen the country’s position.
He said Iran’s ability to speak “from a position of strength” regarding the Strait of Hormuz stems directly from the military power created through national unity and public support.
Ghalibaf further declared that Iran remains determined to avenge the blood of “our martyred leader,” saying the enemy should have no doubt that Tehran would pursue all of its demands.
“It is certain for us that we will bring the revenge for the blood of our martyr to fruition,” he said.
Ghalibaf addressed the people of southern Iran, describing them as being on the front line of the war and praising their sacrifices.
“We have pledged our lifeblood for the defense of this country,” he said. “Be assured, by the grace of God, that victory for dear Iran is near and your historic resistance will endure.”
He added that Iran wild neither fear threats nor war and, under the guidance of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, will deliver a certain response to the enemy’s crimes.