Tehran: Iran on Monday issued a sharp warning amid continuing tensions with the United States, with Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Ghalibaf saying that no infrastructure anywhere in the world would remain safe if Iran’s security is threatened. His remarks came in response to comments by US President Donald Trump on the Strait of Hormuz.
Ghalibaf said the Strait of Hormuz is vital to global oil supply, noting that if Iranian oil cannot pass through the waterway, other countries would similarly be unable to move oil through it. He said Iran’s security could not be guaranteed to remain unthreatened without corresponding assurances, and warned that Iran would not be intimidated by US threats. He added that any attack or hostile action against Iran would be met with a swift and firm response.
Referring to past wars and sanctions imposed on Iran, Ghalibaf said pressure and threats had failed to force the country into submission. He said Iran was prepared to counter any US measures, including maritime sanctions or attempts to obstruct trade routes.
Meanwhile, indirect talks between Washington and Tehran are continuing, with representatives of both countries holding discussions through mediators, including Qatar. The talks are reported to centre on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, sanctions relief, and Iran’s nuclear programme. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held talks with Qatari mediators in New York before departing for Tehran, saying Iran was awaiting an official response from the United States. Iran had recently proposed reopening the Strait of Hormuz and resuming nuclear negotiations, but the proposal was rejected by President Trump.