Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the speaker of Iran’s parliament, addressed the legislative body on Sunday to outline Iran’s strategic approach to its ongoing tensions with the United States. Ghalibaf described a dual-track policy, asserting that Iran must be prepared to both "fight and negotiate" as the conflict continues.

According to Ghalibaf, the Iranian military is prepared to use its capabilities to "push the enemy back" and deliver significant blows during critical moments of the conflict. However, he clarified that these military actions are intended to create a position of strength from which Iran can then engage in diplomacy. He suggested that the use of force is a tool to improve Iran's standing at the negotiating table rather than a rejection of diplomatic channels entirely.

Furthermore, Ghalibaf addressed the status of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime chokepoint. He stated that the strait would remain closed to certain activities until the United States fulfills its international commitments to Iran. This statement reflects a broader Iranian policy of linking regional security and maritime access to the status of broader geopolitical agreements with Washington. The comments come as the conflict between the two nations has persisted for nearly seven months, with both sides continuing to utilize a mix of economic pressure, military posturing, and limited diplomatic signaling to advance their respective interests.