Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has declared that the Strait of Hormuz will not return to its pre-conflict operating framework, saying Tehran intends to administer the strategic shipping route while continuing to comply with international maritime rules.
The remarks come days after the first round of technical discussions between Iran and the United States concluded in Switzerland under a 14-point memorandum of understanding aimed at ending hostilities in West Asia. According to Ghalibaf, the talks produced progress on several fronts, including regional security issues and economic measures affecting Iran.
Speaking after returning from Switzerland, Ghalibaf said Iran’s role in managing the Strait of Hormuz would be different going forward.
“Everyone should know that the administration of the Strait of Hormuz will never go back to the way it was before the war,” he said.
“Of course, international regulations will be observed, but Iran will administer the Strait of Hormuz.”
Iran claims leverage during Switzerland negotiations
The Parliament Speaker also argued that Tehran demonstrated influence during the negotiations with Washington.
He alleged that Iran succeeded in forcing a change to a social media post by US President Donald Trump within an hour after the American leader warned Tehran against backing regional groups, including Lebanon-based Hezbollah.
Ghalibaf cited the episode as an example of Iran’s diplomatic influence during the discussions.
Ghalibaf, Speaker of the Iranian Parliament:
In the middle of the discussions, I learned that Trump had made threatening remarks regarding our president, the negotiating team, and possible attacks on our territory.
I told Vance: “We are here engaged in talks, and according to… pic.twitter.com/Z3KQ9bQuMc
— Iran in India (@Iran_in_India) June 23, 2026
Tehran reiterates distrust of Washington
Addressing the broader relationship between the two countries, Ghalibaf said Iran’s long-standing distrust of the United States remains unchanged.
“We have never trusted the Americans; we don’t trust them now, and it is only reasonable to remain distrustful in the future,” he said.
He also maintained that Iran’s participation in the Switzerland talks helped avert a further deterioration of regional tensions.
“Had we not gone to Switzerland [for talks with the US], more blood would have been shed among Muslims and Shias in Lebanon at any moment,” he said.
در یکی از برنامههای خوب صداوسیما دیدم که گفتند کاش فرودگاه مهرآباد را میبستند تا تیم مذاکرهکننده به سوئیس نرود. به آن عزیزان میگویم اگر به سوئیس نمیرفتیم، هر لحظه خون بیشتری از مسلمانان و شیعیان لبنان ریخته میشد.
— محمدباقر قالیباف | MB Ghalibaf (@mb_ghalibaf) June 22, 2026
Lebanon, ceasefire arrangements discussed
According to Ghalibaf, the negotiations touched on developments in Lebanon, territorial issues and ceasefire-related arrangements in the region.
He said Iran continues to closely follow developments linked to regional stability and security.
The Speaker further called for national unity and reiterated that ultimate authority in Iran rests with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei.
“We must remain united under the leadership of Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei and recognise that his word and directives are final,” he said.
Iran cites sanctions relief and frozen funds
Ghalibaf also claimed that recent discussions between Tehran and Washington contributed to progress on the release of frozen Iranian assets and the easing of oil-related sanctions.
The Switzerland talks marked the opening phase of technical negotiations under the memorandum of understanding intended to end hostilities between the United States and Iran in West Asia.
Both sides have agreed to establish a High-Level Committee and prepare a roadmap aimed at reaching a final agreement within 60 days.