In a statement published on Wednesday, which outlined a strategic vision balancing military readiness with diplomatic engagement to safeguard national interests, Qalibaf warned that if the Islamic Republic is not to benefit from the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United States, then there is no reason Tehran would adhere to it.
Qalibaf emphasized that the MoU only holds meaning when its clauses are valid and implemented.
He stressed that Iran’s armed forces have full freedom of action to confront any enemy aggression.
The speaker’s comments come amid escalating tensions following repeated US violations of the 14-point interim agreement.
Iran has documented at least 42 significant US breaches since the MoU was signed on June 17, including violating Iranian arrangements in the Strait of Hormuz, continued threats of military strikes, attacks on southern Iran, re-imposing oil sanctions, and continued Israeli aggression on Lebanon.
US President Donald Trump has also declared that the ceasefire regime with Iran is no longer in effect.
Qalibaf stressed that Iran’s approach must be based on national interests and security, not factional views.
He reiterated that the United States has not changed its hegemonic strategy and will never tolerate a strong Iran.
“We have never welcomed war and never will, but we must always be ready for battle and stand firm to protect our security and national interests,” he said, adding that alongside this, Iran must use diplomacy and negotiation to realize and solidify its national interests.
The speaker clarified that negotiation in this context is not equivalent to surrender, but is part of a broader strategy of resistance and safeguarding national interests.
He warned that separating military and diplomatic tools and choosing only one as the sole solution would be a strategic error.
Qalibaf pointed out that Iran successfully closed the Strait of Hormuz during the 40-day war, unlike the 12-day war, because it had become a source of insecurity and a threat to national security.
He stated that Iran’s national security today lies in maintaining “Iranian arrangements” over the strait and ensuring maximum safe and harmless passage for commercial vessels.
He explained that during the imposed war, Iran’s armed forces established control over the strait, and during negotiations, they secured the “Iranian arrangements” in Article 5 of the MoU.
Now, he said, the US is trying to undermine these arrangements by force, but Iran must stand firm to secure the nation’s rights.
Qalibaf also addressed the issue of revenge for martyred Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei and other martyrs of the two imposed wars, stating that the path to victory lies in following the new Leader, Ayatollah Seyed Mojtaba Khamenei’s guidance and a precise roadmap based on resistance, rationality, and the intelligent use of all defensive and diplomatic capabilities.
He called on the Iranian nation to maintain unity and presence in the field, dismissing enemy efforts to spread fear, despair, and division.
“We are certain that we will achieve the revenge for the blood of our martyred Leader,” he stated.