The Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, has reacted to recent statements made by US President Donald Trump regarding the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz by American naval forces. In a post on social media platform X, Ghalibaf warned that gasoline prices in the United States are likely to rise significantly in the near future.
“Enjoy the current gasoline prices. Soon you will nostalgically remember the cheap gas at $4-5,” he stated.
Ghalibaf also confirmed that negotiations between Iran and the US have reached an impasse due to a profound crisis of trust in American partners. He indicated that Iran had put forward several constructive proposals, but historical experiences hindered any agreement.
“Due to the experiences of the two previous wars, we do not trust the other side. They ultimately failed to gain the trust of the Iranian delegation in this round of talks,” the politician emphasized.
On April 11, talks took place in Pakistan between representatives of Iran and the US, but no agreement was reached regarding the cessation of hostilities. According to JD Vance, Iran refused to abandon its nuclear program and the production of nuclear weapons.
Following these discussions, Trump announced that US naval forces would initiate a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, citing the failure to resolve the nuclear weapons issue during negotiations. He stated that the US Navy would intercept all vessels that had paid tolls to Iran for passage through the Strait.
Trump also issued a warning to Iran, stating that if Iranian military forces attacked US naval vessels, the US Navy would respond decisively.
Military Operations Against Iran
On February 28, Israel conducted an attack on the Iranian capital, Tehran. Subsequently, President Trump declared that American military forces had begun a “major combat operation” against Iran aimed at eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime. He accused Iranian authorities of funding and training militants in Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, and Hamas in Palestine. The objective of the military operation was described as the destruction of Iran’s missile industry and navy, as well as preventing any destabilization of global security.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced that it had launched missiles and drones towards Israel and had also targeted American military bases in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
The European Union reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring regional security and stability in the Middle East.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that it is fair to give Iranians a chance to rid themselves of the “terrorist regime” and guarantee safety for all nations affected by attacks from Iran.
On February 28, Trump claimed that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was dead, a statement later confirmed by the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA).
On March 1, the IRGC announced the initiation of “the most destructive offensive operation in the history of the Islamic Republic” against Israel and “American terrorist bases.” Trump urged the Iranian regime to abandon these plans and threatened a “very strong response.”
On March 6, Trump called for a complete change in Iran’s leadership, adding that he had several candidates in mind for a “good leader.” On March 8, Iran’s Assembly of Experts elected the son of the slain Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Mojtaba Khamenei, as the third Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic.
On March 26, Trump announced a suspension of the destruction of Iranian energy facilities until April 6. However, due to a lack of progress in reaching an agreement, he extended the deadline by 20 hours to the evening of April 7.
Trump threatened to destroy all bridges and power plants in Iran, warning that such actions would have devastating consequences for the Iranian people and provoke dangerous responses throughout the region.
On April 6, Iran presented a separate 10-point plan to the US and Israel for ending hostilities through Pakistan.
On April 7, Trump indicated that he had agreed to postpone airstrikes on Iran for two weeks, provided that the Strait of Hormuz would be reopened. He stated that the ceasefire would be mutual and that Iran’s 10-point proposal was an acceptable basis for negotiations.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi noted that safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz within two weeks would be possible “under the condition of coordination with Iran’s armed forces and taking into account technical limitations.”
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has criticized US naval actions in the Strait of Hormuz, predicting rising gasoline prices in the US. He also highlighted the breakdown of negotiations between Iran and the US, citing a lack of trust and historical grievances.