TEHRAN: Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has said that Tehran remains deeply sceptical of the United States despite the ongoing ceasefire, warning that Iranian forces are fully prepared for any possible resumption of hostilities.
Speaking to Iranian media, he stated that Iran does not trust Washington and believes the conflict could reignite at any moment, emphasising that the country’s armed forces are on high alert.
He also highlighted Iran’s control over the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, describing US attempts to blockade Iranian ports as “foolish” and “ignorant”.
He warned that if restrictions on Iran continue, Tehran could retaliate by limiting maritime traffic through the waterway, adding that other countries should not expect free passage if Iran itself is denied access.Ghalibaf further said that the ceasefire framework extends beyond Iran, including Hezbollah and the wider regional “resistance front”.
He noted that securing a ceasefire in Lebanon was one of Iran’s key conditions for the agreement.He added that Tehran continues to support the normalisation of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, but argued that ongoing disruptions are linked to the incomplete implementation of the ceasefire in Lebanon.
On the diplomatic front, he described negotiations with the United States as part of a broader strategy, saying talks are a way to “assert the rights of the people” while complementing developments on the ground.
Meanwhile, maritime authorities reported that Iranian gunboats fired on a tanker attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz following Iran’s announcement, while a second vessel was struck by a projectile.