DID Press: Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said Tehran is engaged in an “existential war” with the United States and argued that any agreement that does not serve Iran’s interests would not be binding.
In a statement, Ghalibaf said Iran faces what he described as a strategic threat aimed at undermining the Islamic Republic and fragmenting the country. He said decisions regarding war or negotiations remain under the authority of Iran’s Supreme Leader, while the armed forces have full freedom of action in responding to threats.
Referring to agreements with foreign parties, Ghalibaf said such arrangements only remain meaningful if their provisions are valid and implemented, adding that Iran would have no reason to comply with any agreement from which it gains no benefit.
He also stated that Iran’s military forces are prepared to respond to any aggression and that decisions on confronting external threats are made within the authority of the country’s commander-in-chief.
Ghalibaf said the choice between war and negotiations should be determined based on national security and interests, adding that negotiations do not necessarily mean compromise but can be part of a strategy to protect national interests.
He further referred to previous regional tensions, saying Iran had closed the Strait of Hormuz during what he called a “40-day war” because its national security was threatened, and argued that maintaining Iranian security arrangements in the waterway remains a priority.