Iran’s parliament speaker declared Tuesday that Tehran has no interest in pursuing a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict with the United States and Israel, insisting instead that those he called the “aggressor” must face consequences.
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf made the remarks in a message posted to social media, making clear that Iran intends to continue fighting rather than seeking a pause in the hostilities.
“Certainly we aren’t seeking a ceasefire,” Ghalibaf wrote in a post on social media.
“We believe the aggressor must be punished and taught a lesson that will deter them from attacking Iran again,” he added.
His comments followed a statement issued Monday by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Corps responding to remarks by US President Donald Trump, who had suggested that the war with Iran could conclude in the near future.
In remarks cited by Reuters, the IRGC said they would “determine the end of the war”, while warning that Iran could take steps to halt oil shipments from the region if attacks by the United States and Israel continue.
The statement added that Iran would not permit “one liter of oil” to leave the region under such circumstances.
Trump responded to the warning with a message posted on his Truth Social platform, cautioning Tehran against interfering with shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
“If Iran does anything that stops the flow of Oil within the Strait of Hormuz, they will be hit by the United States of America TWENTY TIMES HARDER than they have been hit thus far.”
He continued with an additional warning directed at Iranian leadership.
“Additionally, we will take out easily destroyable targets that will make it virtually impossible for Iran to ever be built back, as a Nation, again – Death, Fire, and Fury will reign upon them – But I hope, and pray, that it does not happen! This is a gift from the United States of America to China, and all of those Nations that heavily use the Hormuz Strait. Hopefully, it is a gesture that will be greatly appreciated.”
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed the situation Tuesday, saying the United States will not permit any disruption to maritime traffic or energy shipments in the region.
The US is acting so that “the United States and all our allies can receive their energy needs. President Trump will not allow rogue Iranian terrorists to strop the freedom of navigation and the free flow of energy,” Leavitt said in a statement.
“If they (Iran) do anything to stop the flow of oil or goods within the Strait of Hormuz, they will be hit by the world’s most powerful military 20 times harder than they have been hit thus far,” she threatened.
Leavitt also sought to reassure Americans concerned about rising fuel costs, saying the price increases would not last.
She added that “the increase in gas prices is temporary and in the long term prices will fall. Once the military goals are achieved, we will live in a world where Iran can no longer threaten.”
At the same time, CBS News reported that US officials believe Iran could be preparing to place naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz, a move that would threaten one of the world’s most important shipping corridors.
Trump addressed the report on Truth Social, warning Iran not to take such a step.
“If Iran has put out any mines in the Hormuz Strait, and we have no reports of them doing so, we want them removed, IMMEDIATELY! If for any reason mines were placed, and they are not removed forthwith, the Military consequences to Iran will be at a level never seen before. If, on the other hand, they remove what may have been placed, it will be a giant step in the right direction!” Trump wrote.
{Matzav.com}
