TEHRAN, July 16 (Xinhua) -- Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammed Baqir Qalibaf stated that his country's national security depends on the continuation of the "rules established by Iran" in the management of the Strait of Hormuz, and said that they will not allow the enemy to impose its will.
In his statement on Wednesday, Qalibaf, who also heads Iran's negotiating delegation, argued that the United States is trying to deal a blow to Iran at every opportunity in order to advance its own interests, and emphasized that Iran should act on the basis of national interests, security, realism and long-term strategy in war and negotiations.
Expressing that they were not happy with the war, "but they should always be ready for war to protect national security and interests," Kalibaf stated that diplomacy and negotiations should be continued simultaneously to protect national interests.
Referring to the recently signed memorandum of understanding with the USA, which stipulates a 60-day negotiation period for the final agreement, Kalibaf stated that the agreement will only have meaning if its terms are respected and implemented. Qalibaf said there was no point in adhering to this agreement if it did not provide any benefit to Iran.
The memorandum of understanding, signed on June 18 and aiming to end the war on all fronts in the region, including Lebanon, has become fragile due to the clashes between Iranian and US forces in recent days.