WANA (Aug 08) – Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Tehran took reciprocal action after what he described as violations of agreed procedures regarding the Strait of Hormuz, stressing that Iran would continue to defend its interests while pursuing diplomatic channels.

 

Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, August 8, marking National Journalists’ Day in Iran, Pezeshkian addressed the latest developments surrounding the Iran-Pakistan memorandum of understanding and arrangements related to the strategic waterway.

 

He said the agreement did not involve any concession by Iran or any withdrawal from the country’s national interests.

 

“In the memorandum that was signed, there is no clause where we have given up anything. We stand firmly by what we have written and we will defend it,” Pezeshkian said.

 

The Iranian president said that, under the agreement, the parties were expected to operate based on guidelines jointly prepared by Iran and Oman for managing issues related to the Strait of Hormuz. However, he claimed that the other side failed to follow those arrangements.

 

“They were supposed to act according to the guidelines that the Islamic Republic of Iran and Oman were to prepare together, but they did not do so, and we responded,” he said.

 

At the same time, Pezeshkian emphasized that disputes arising from violations of agreements are usually addressed through designated mechanisms and said efforts to resolve the issue are still ongoing.

A vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, Iran, May 22, 2026. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)

Strait of Hormuz Becomes a New Point of Tension

Pezeshkian’s comments come as the Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most sensitive geopolitical chokepoints. A significant share of global energy shipments passes through the waterway, meaning any disruption could have consequences for international oil markets, maritime security and regional relations.

 

The Iranian president framed the dispute primarily as a disagreement over the implementation of commitments and procedures rather than solely as a security confrontation.

 

He said that while Iran had responded to what it viewed as a breach of commitments, diplomatic efforts to manage the situation would continue.

 

Tehran: Diplomacy and Defense Capabilities Will Continue Together

During the press conference, Pezeshkian stressed that Iran would pursue diplomacy while maintaining its defensive capabilities.

 

Referring to recent negotiations and regional engagements, he said diplomatic efforts had contributed to reducing some restrictions and allowed discussions to continue over issues including frozen financial assets and reconstruction of areas affected by conflict.

 

“Those very talks and that diplomacy forced the United States to come to the table for an agreement and understanding with Iran,” he said.

 

Pezeshkian also defended Iran’s negotiating team, describing its members as “dedicated, knowledgeable and hardworking” officials and criticizing attempts to undermine them.

A woman walks past a billboard depicting U.S. President Donald Trump laid in a coffin, in Tehran, Iran, July 30, 2026. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)

Warning Over Continued Security Pressures and Economic Challenges

The Iranian president described the current situation as a period of uncertainty, saying the country remains in a state that could be characterized as “neither war nor peace.”

 

He claimed that the United States and Israel had based their calculations on creating internal divisions and exploiting economic difficulties in Iran, but that these expectations had not materialized because of domestic cohesion.

 

“They calculated that if they attacked, Iran would fall apart, but that did not happen,” Pezeshkian said.

 

He also acknowledged economic difficulties inside the country, saying inflation and rising costs remain among the government’s main concerns.

 

Pezeshkian said the current economic situation was “not acceptable” and added that instability and security concerns had affected currency markets and investment conditions.

 

Internet Access and Security Concerns

The Iranian president also addressed the issue of internet restrictions, saying the government intends to address existing limitations while considering security concerns.

 

He said some security institutions had raised concerns about cyber threats and possible attacks targeting critical infrastructure.

 

Pezeshkian added that the government was holding discussions with other decision-making bodies, including the Supreme National Security Council, to address the issue.

 

Economic Management During Crisis Conditions

Pezeshkian said the government was working to manage economic pressures by controlling resources, reducing unnecessary spending and supporting public welfare.

 

Referring to issues such as fuel, electricity, gas and water management, he said current conditions require careful planning and coordination.

 

He added that government officials must reduce their own expenses and prioritize support for sectors directly affected by the crisis.

 

The Iranian president also highlighted employment, particularly for young people, and reconstruction of damaged infrastructure as key government priorities.

 

Concluding his remarks, Pezeshkian emphasized the importance of maintaining domestic unity while simultaneously protecting national security, continuing diplomatic engagement and addressing economic challenges.