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Iran must remain prepared for war while also using diplomacy and negotiations to protect its national interests, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said in a written statement addressing the public.
Commenting on developments following the latest U.S. attacks, Ghalibaf said Iran was engaged in what he described as an existential struggle with Washington.
He claimed the U.S. aimed to eliminate the Islamic Republic of Iran and divide the country.
“We must always be prepared for war and, if necessary, fight at the cost of our lives to protect our security and national interests,” Ghalibaf said in a post on social media.
“At the same time, we must also use the tools of diplomacy and negotiation to achieve and consolidate our national interests,” he added.
Ghalibaf called for coordination between military action and diplomatic efforts, describing them as two methods of protecting Iran’s interests.
“Both war and negotiation are two methods of safeguarding national interests,” he said. “Negotiation at this stage, as I have repeatedly stated, does not mean surrender.”
Referring to the memorandum of understanding reached with the U.S., Ghalibaf said such an agreement carried meaning only while its provisions remained valid and were being implemented.
He said Iran would have no reason to remain committed to the understanding if the country received no benefit from it.
Ghalibaf also stressed that Iran’s armed forces retained full freedom of action, as they had in the past, to respond to attacks by what he described as the enemy.
Ghalibaf also addressed Iran’s decision to close the Strait of Hormuz during the 40-day conflict, contrasting it with the 12-day war involving the U.S. and Israel.
He said Iran’s national security now depended on preserving what he called “Iranian order” in the strategic waterway.
“Today, our national security depends on maintaining ‘Iranian order’ in the Strait of Hormuz and ensuring the safest and most unharmed passage possible for commercial vessels through this waterway,” Ghalibaf said.
He added that commercial transit through the strait should be conducted in a way that contributes to Iran’s security.
Ghalibaf said the country must combine military preparedness, diplomatic engagement and control over security conditions in the Strait of Hormuz to protect its interests.
Ghalibaf also said Iran would take revenge for former Iranian leader Ali Khamenei.
He called on the Iranian public to remain united as the country faced continuing tensions with the U.S.
His statement emphasized readiness for conflict, the use of negotiations without accepting surrender and the role of the Strait of Hormuz in Iran’s national security.
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