WANA (Jun 08) – Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Speaker of Iran’s Parliament, said in his fourth audio message to the public that Tehran’s objective in ongoing negotiations is to secure an end to conflict and establish lasting security, rather than normalize relations with the United States. He stressed that Iran has no trust in Washington.

 

Addressing recent regional developments, Ghalibaf accused the United States of violating agreements and escalating tensions. He said that the naval blockade imposed on Iran, as well as alleged violations of the Lebanon ceasefire agreement, had contributed to the latest crisis.

 

According to him, remarks by the U.S. president regarding a memorandum of understanding contradicted previously agreed provisions, demonstrating that Washington was neither genuinely pursuing a ceasefire nor committed to meaningful dialogue.

 

The parliament speaker said Iran had responded decisively to these actions and praised the country’s armed forces for carrying out their duties “with authority.” He added that Iran would continue to defend its national rights and interests with strength.

 

Four Arenas of Struggle

Ghalibaf outlined what he described as Iran’s strategic framework for confronting external threats, arguing that the country is simultaneously engaged in four interconnected arenas: the military sphere, diplomacy, public resistance and participation, and the sphere of public service.

 

He emphasized that these arenas do not operate independently but form a single integrated structure that must function in close coordination to achieve national objectives.

 

“We do not intend to advance through either surrender or empty slogans,” Ghalibaf said. “We must pursue a carefully engineered and comprehensive victory through Iranian strength and rationality.”

 

Diplomacy and Military Action as Complementary Tools

The speaker rejected the notion that diplomacy and military operations are mutually exclusive, arguing that neither should be viewed as an obstacle to the other.

 

Referring to developments in Lebanon and the Persian Gulf, he claimed that a combination of military pressure and diplomatic engagement had strengthened Iran’s position. In some cases, he said, the possibility of suspending negotiations had deterred hostile actions, while in others military operations had demonstrated that Iran was not afraid of the collapse of talks.

 

Ghalibaf further asserted that Iran had succeeded in consolidating arrangements related to the reopening of a strategic maritime passage in the Persian Gulf, which he described as the result of effective coordination between military and diplomatic efforts.

 

“We Fight When Necessary and Negotiate When Necessary”

Ghalibaf argued that Iran’s strategy is not based on choosing between war and diplomacy, but on employing each tool at the appropriate moment.

 

“Our approach is not either war or negotiations,” he said. “The approach is to fight when necessary and negotiate when necessary. That is how an adversary can be defeated, and how the idea that negotiations are a continuation of struggle becomes a reality.”

 

He also dismissed claims of divisions among Iranian officials, stating that there is full coordination among state institutions in pursuit of national goals. According to Ghalibaf, the armed forces operate under approved plans and strategic guidance.

 

Negotiations Are About Security, Not Normalization

In one of the most significant parts of his remarks, Ghalibaf reiterated that Iran’s objective is to achieve lasting security rather than restore normal relations with Washington.

 

“The goal is to end the war and create sustainable security,” he said. “It is not the normalization of relations with the United States, and we do not trust the other side.”

 

He added that Iran would not limit itself to condemning hostile actions or merely asserting its rights, but would seek to secure its interests through a combination of military strength, diplomacy, and national unity.

 

Warning Over the Naval Blockade

Ghalibaf described the naval blockade imposed on Iran as a “war crime” and part of a broader hostile strategy against the country. He vowed that Tehran would turn the measure into another strategic failure for its opponents through comprehensive planning and coordinated action.

 

In the final section of his message, he referred to guidance from Iran’s Supreme Leader, highlighting four key principles: resilience, clear-sightedness, preservation of national unity and cohesion, mutual trust, and avoiding alignment with hostile narratives.

 

He warned that anyone acting outside these principles—whether government officials, political figures, or media activists—would be deviating from the path outlined by the country’s leadership.

 

Ghalibaf concluded by expressing confidence that Iran could overcome external pressure and secure a stronger future through national solidarity, effective diplomacy, and continued military deterrence.