Iran warns US: Strait of Hormuz to remain closed until sanctions are lifted

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf issued a strong warning to the United States on Tuesday, threatening renewed military action if Washington violates commitments under a 14-point Memorandum of Understanding signed in June. Ghalibaf declared that Tehran would keep the Strait of Hormuz closed until the U.S. meets key conditions, including the lifting of sanctions and blockades as stipulated in the agreement.

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As we predicted, the enemy - who had accepted the ceasefire agreement out of desperation -quickly reneged on its commitments to compensate for its heavy political defeat in practice. Therefore, the time has come for the military field to once again stand alongside the diplomatic field and provide a practical response to the enemy's breach of covenant.

Addressing the parliament, Ghalibaf asserted that the time has come for Iran's military and diplomatic efforts to align in response to what he termed the U.S. "breach of covenant." He accused the U.S. of reneging on its commitments after accepting a ceasefire out of desperation, stating, "Therefore, the time has come for the military field to once again stand alongside the diplomatic field and provide a practical response to the enemy's breach of covenant."

The speaker, who also leads Iran's negotiating team, explicitly linked the reopening of the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz to the implementation of U.S. commitments under the MoU. These include lifting the blockade, releasing frozen assets, ending oil sanctions, and ceasing threats and military operations on all fronts. "Until America's commitments in the memorandum of understanding... are implemented, the 'Strait' will not be opened," he declared.

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Until America's commitments in the memorandum of understanding - including lifting the blockade, releasing frozen assets, lifting oil sanctions, ending threats and military operations on all fronts, and other conditions to which America committed - are implemented, the 'Strait' will not be opened.

Ghalibaf further warned that Iran is prepared for further escalation, stating, "The Islamic Republic of Iran is ready to impose a heavier defeat on the enemy in proportion to its actions and aggressions." His comments arrive amidst significant strain over the 60-day diplomatic framework, which expired Monday with several key commitments still unmet. Ghalibaf's remarks suggest Tehran views the ceasefire and MoU not as a final political resolution but as a basis for continued pressure if Washington fails to meet its obligations. He also highlighted a perceived U.S. strategy to weaken Iran internally through economic pressure and social division.

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The Islamic Republic of Iran is ready to impose a heavier defeat on the enemy in proportion to its actions and aggressions.