TEHRAN – The Iranian parliament speaker said early Saturday that the US and Israel have failed to achieve their goals through “lies,” and that passage through the strategic Strait of Hormuz would be subject to Iranian authorization, Anadolu reports. Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf accused President Donald Trump of making false claims, saying that “seven claims made within an hour were all untrue.”
Qalibaf said disinformation had not delivered results on the battlefield, and would similarly fail in diplomatic efforts. “They failed to win the war with such falsehoods, and they will certainly not succeed in negotiations either,” he said on the US social media platform X.
Warning on Blockade
He also warned that the continuation of pressure and blockade measures could affect the security of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy corridor. “If the blockade continues, the Strait of Hormuz will not remain open,” he said, adding that maritime traffic would be regulated under Iranian oversight.
According to Qalibaf, transit through the strait would take place along designated routes and require authorization from Iran, signaling a more assertive posture over one of the world’s most critical shipping lanes. “Whether the strait remains open or closed, and the rules governing it, will be determined on the ground, not by media narratives,” he added.
Media Warfare
Qalibaf also underscored the role of information campaigns in the broader conflict, describing media warfare and public opinion management as “a key component of the war.” He said the Iranian public would not be swayed by manipulation efforts, urging audiences to rely on official sources for accurate updates on negotiations.
Trump’s Claims
Earlier, Trump said Iran, with US assistance, “has removed, or is removing, all of the sea mines” from the strait. He claimed that “Iran has agreed to never close the Strait of Hormuz again” and, “It will no longer be used as a weapon against the World!” He said a deal to end the war that began February 28 was almost complete, the US would obtain “all” of Iran’s nuclear material, and the blockade would end once an agreement is signed.
Context of Talks
The first round of talks between Iran and the US was held in Pakistan last weekend, and efforts for another session in Islamabad are underway. The war has been on hold since Pakistan mediated a two-week ceasefire on April 8. A second round of technical talks is expected on Monday.
Analysis: Competing Narratives
The conflicting statements from Trump and Qalibaf highlight the gap that remains between the two sides. Trump claims that Iran has agreed to never close the strait again; Qalibaf says that passage will be subject to Iranian authorization. Trump claims a deal is almost complete; Qalibaf warns that disinformation will not succeed in negotiations.
Qalibaf’s warning that “if the blockade continues, the Strait of Hormuz will not remain open” is a direct threat. The US blockade of Iranian ports is still in place; Iran is warning that this could lead to the closure of the strait.
As technical teams prepare to meet in Islamabad, the competing narratives suggest that a deal is not as close as Trump claims. The two sides are still far apart on the status of the strait, the nuclear issue, and the terms of a permanent ceasefire.
