Iranian Parliament Speaker Issues Warning Ahead of Ceasefire Deadline
Mohammad Berger Ghalibaf, the Speaker of Iran’s Parliament, recently took to social media to declare a potential escalation in military efforts. This statement came just before the expiration of a two-week ceasefire brokered by Pakistan between the United States and Iran.
Ghalibaf accused the Trump administration of trying to manipulate negotiations, suggesting that their approach felt more like an ultimatum than a dialogue. He mentioned, “We won’t accept talks that’s veiled in threats. We’ve been gearing up to showcase new tactics on the battlefield.” His resolve was unmistakable.
It’s worth noting that Ghalibaf led the Iranian team during the peace discussions with U.S. officials, which took place on April 11. These negotiations occurred concurrently with the ceasefire that had been in effect since April 8. However, with the ceasefire concluding on Wednesday, tensions are clearly rising.
Vice President J.D. Vance is scheduled to return to Pakistan on Tuesday for further discussions as the deadline approaches. The goal? To establish a long-term peace agreement. However, Iran’s position appears firm. Just two days prior, Ghalibaf’s warning came on the heels of announcements regarding restrictions on the vital Strait of Hormuz, reversing a previously made decision to open it.
While President Trump had just recently claimed that the strait was “fully open,” he reaffirmed that naval blockades would persist until a deal was finalized.
The day after Trump’s announcement, Iran’s Joint Forces Command reaffirmed that strict military control over the Strait of Hormuz would be reinstated, indicating that these limitations would remain as long as U.S. pressures continued.
On Monday, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmail Bacaei stated that Iran had no intention of participating in the peace talks in Islamabad, expressing concern about U.S. involvement. He emphasized that Iran would resolutely defend its national interests against any deadlines or demands, reiterating that clear red lines had been established that must not be crossed.
