Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Speaker of the Iranian Parliament [Captured from IRNA Telegram channel]

As the United States and Iran continue to engage in armed conflict over control of the Strait of Hormuz, effectively rendering the previous Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) obsolete, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Speaker of the Iranian Parliament and head of Iran's negotiation team, has declared a resolute commitment to fighting to the end and carrying out powerful retaliation.

In a statement to the nation on the 15th (local time), Speaker Ghalibaf denounced the situation, stating, "We are engaged in a fundamental and existential war with the United States. The enemy's goal extends beyond the overthrow of Iran's Islamic system to the division of our beloved homeland."

Regarding the maintenance of the ceasefire agreement, he emphasized, "A Memorandum of Understanding only holds meaning when its provisions are valid and implemented. If the United States violates its agreed-upon obligations, leaving Iran with no benefits, then we have absolutely no reason to comply with the agreement either."

Ghalibaf further signaled an immediate and full-scale military response to U.S. actions, stating, "As always, our military possesses complete freedom of action to confront enemy aggression."

He identified the "defense of the Strait of Hormuz" as Iran's top military priority.

Ghalibaf warned, "Today, Iran's national security depends on maintaining an 'Iranian-style order' in the Strait of Hormuz. Although the U.S. attempts to undermine this order through force, Iran will never allow the enemy to have its way, relying on its own strength."

As for future approaches to resolving the crisis, he proposed a "two-track strategy" that combines war with negotiations.

He asserted, "It is a strategic error to separate the military and diplomatic fronts and choose only one as the sole solution. At this stage, negotiation by no means implies compromise; it is an essential component of our resistance strategy to protect national interests, just as armed resistance is."

This indicates an intent to maintain a policy of responding to U.S. military force with equal force, while also actively utilizing diplomatic negotiations as leverage to defend the nation's interests.

Finally, Speaker Ghalibaf warned of retaliation against the United States and Israel, stating, "We will inevitably avenge the blood of our martyred colleagues, and we will deliver a firm and decisive response to our criminal enemies."

He also appealed to his fellow citizens for unity, adding, "The enemies are hoping for despair and division within Iran."