Iran says Strait of Hormuz security is vital, vows to resist external pressure

Tehran: Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf has said the country's national security is closely linked to maintaining what he described as Iran's role and arrangements in the administration of the Strait of Hormuz, asserting that Tehran will not allow any external power to dictate its policies.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Qalibaf said the United States has consistently sought to weaken Iran in pursuit of its own strategic interests. He stressed that whether in times of conflict or negotiations, Iran's decisions would continue to be guided by national interests, security considerations, realism and long-term strategy.

He said Iran does not seek war but must remain prepared to defend its sovereignty and national interests whenever necessary.

Qalibaf also underlined the importance of diplomacy, saying negotiations and diplomatic engagement should continue alongside efforts to safeguard the country's strategic interests.

Referring to the recently signed peace memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the United States, which proposed a 60-day period for negotiating a final agreement, he said the understanding would remain meaningful only if all sides honoured and implemented its commitments. He added that Iran saw little reason to remain committed if it did not receive the promised benefits.

The MoU, signed on June 18 with the aim of ending hostilities across the region, including in Lebanon, has come under renewed strain following recent military confrontations between Iran and the United States.

Meanwhile, the US Central Command announced that American forces carried out a second wave of military strikes against Iran on Wednesday afternoon (US Eastern Time).

According to the command, the strikes targeted Iranian military capabilities that Washington says have been used to threaten commercial and naval vessels transiting the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.

The latest developments come amid heightened tensions in the Gulf, where the Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world's most critical maritime routes for global oil and energy shipments.

With inputs from IANS