Hormuz Strait Will Not Return to Pre-War Status, Says Iran’s Ghalibaf

The critical waterway of the hormuz strait will permanently change following the eight-month US-Israel conflict, according to Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Iran’s parliament speaker and chief negotiator. In a recent interview, Ghalibaf outlined Tehran's stance regarding regional oversight and the path toward prospective peace talks.

Ghalibaf explained that Iran and Oman reached an understanding to supervise the strategic passage as part of a seven-point proposal to end the hostilities. He asserted that international conventions do not apply to the waterway in the traditional sense, maintaining that regulations are dictated by the littoral states bordering it.

Understanding the Future of the Hormuz Strait

Tehran has communicated its seven conditions for peace through a Qatari mediator, with officials now awaiting an official American reply. The prerequisites include lifting US-imposed sanctions and naval patrols, releasing frozen Iranian assets, halting combat across all fronts, and issuing a definitive declaration concluding the conflict. These demands stem from the Islamabad memorandum of understanding signed earlier in the year.

Ghalibaf noted that while reaching an accord remains possible if Washington avoids excessive demands or actions that generate distrust, the primary barrier is a lack of confidence in the United States. He also mentioned that American officials previously sought Russian mediation for direct negotiations, while cautioning that renewed military actions would encounter political opposition from the incoming US Congress.

Iran insists that the critical waterway must be managed regionally under its seven-point peace framework.

Addressing other regional developments, Ghalibaf stated that external entities should refrain from interfering in the conflict in Yemen. He indicated that Tehran would be willing to assist in resolving the dispute if formally requested by both the local government and Saudi Arabia.

Why it matters

This development sets the framework for potential diplomatic engagement between Washington and Tehran, determining how international commerce and security will be managed in a vital global trade route. The shifting status of the waterway impacts geopolitical stability and maritime transit across the region.