Iran Says Progress Made in Talks with US, Warns Against Naval Escalation

Tehran, The Gulf Observer: Speaker of the Iranian Parliament and head of the Iranian delegation, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, has said that some progress has been achieved in ongoing negotiations with the United States, but significant differences still remain.

In a statement, Ghalibaf criticized what he described as a U.S. blockade announcement, calling it an “irrational and unacceptable decision.” He questioned the fairness of restrictions, stating that it would be impossible for Iran to accept a situation where other countries are allowed to transit through the Strait of Hormuz while Iran is denied the same right.

Issuing a stern warning, Ghalibaf said U.S. minesweeper vessels must not advance from their current positions. “If American minesweepers move forward even an inch, we will respond with force,” he said, adding that this message had already been clearly conveyed to the U.S. delegation.

Highlighting Iran’s military posture, he claimed that during recent hostilities, Iranian forces had targeted between 170 and 180 enemy drones and had also struck a U.S. F-35 Lightning II, describing the development as significant.

Ghalibaf refrained from elaborating on Iran’s military capabilities but stated that the adversary would have understood the message conveyed by Iran’s actions.

The remarks come amid heightened regional tensions and ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalation.