Iran will not compromise on sovereignty over Strait of Hormuz, says parliament speaker

Ghalibaf, who has played a key role in negotiations with the United States, says a recently agreed memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Washington provides only a temporary 60-day exemption from maritime service fees in the Strait of Hormuz

TEHRAN: (UrduPoint/UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News-July 1st, 2026) Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has reaffirmed that the Strait of Hormuz remains Iran's most significant strategic asset, declaring that Tehran will never relinquish its sovereignty over the vital waterway.

Speaking to state media, Ghalibaf, who has played a key role in negotiations with the United States, said a recently agreed memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Washington provides only a temporary 60-day exemption from maritime service fees in the Strait of Hormuz. He stressed that the arrangement does not signal any change in Iran's position or sovereignty over the strategic shipping route.

"The Strait of Hormuz is part of Iran's regional maritime territory," Ghalibaf said, adding that the United States should not attempt to portray Iran as having militarised the waterway. He reiterated that Tehran would not retreat from its position under any circumstances.

Describing the Strait of Hormuz as a "God-given blessing" and one of Iran's most effective strategic assets, the speaker said Iran and Oman had reached full agreement on its administrative and legal affairs.

Ghalibaf said negotiations with the United States would not move forward until five key provisions of the memorandum of understanding had been implemented.

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These include securing a ceasefire in Lebanon, ensuring the continuation of Iranian oil exports, and the release of Iran's frozen assets.

He also revealed that Iran, the United States and Lebanon had agreed to establish a joint coordination cell aimed at preventing tensions. According to Ghalibaf, Tehran and Washington have already appointed their representatives, while Lebanon is expected to nominate its representative soon.

Highlighting the impact of recent diplomatic developments, Ghalibaf claimed that Iran had exported more than 40 million barrels of oil in less than two weeks following the lifting of what he described as the US naval blockade, saying the figures demonstrated that effective diplomacy backed by strong defence capabilities could produce tangible results.

The Iranian speaker also ruled out any negotiations over Iran's missile programme, defence capabilities or its uranium enrichment activities, insisting that uranium enrichment is Iran's legal and inalienable right and will not be subject to compromise.

He added that negotiations would continue until all US and United Nations sanctions imposed on Iran were lifted, noting that the 60-day validity of the memorandum of understanding could be extended if necessary.