In a bold escalation amid the ongoing US-Iran conflict, Iran’s parliament has issued a strong rejection of any reopening of the critical Strait of Hormuz or negotiations with Washington.
The statement, widely circulated on social media and reported by Iranian officials, underscores Tehran’s unwavering stance: “The Strait of Hormuz will not open. We have not held any negotiations, and we will not hold them.”
This comes as tensions simmer over the strategic waterway, which handles roughly one-fifth of global oil and gas shipments. Iran has effectively restricted traffic through the strait since the conflict intensified, prompting threats from US President Donald Trump, including potential strikes on Iranian infrastructure if the passage isn’t reopened.
Context of the Standoff
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and other senior figures, including the deputy speaker, have repeatedly denied any direct or indirect talks with the US. They dismissed reports of “productive conversations” as misinformation aimed at manipulating oil markets and easing pressure on Washington and its allies.
Meanwhile, Iran’s parliament has been advancing plans to formalize control over the strait, including a new management framework with rial-based tolls on vessels, security protocols, environmental measures, and explicit bans on US and Israeli ships. A parliamentary security committee recently approved key elements of this plan, signaling a shift toward long-term Iranian oversight rather than a return to the pre-conflict status quo.