INTERNATIONAL — April 18, 2026
Iran's Parliament Speaker Warns Strait of Hormuz Will Not Remain Open if US Blockade Continues
Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf warned that the Strait of Hormuz will not remain open if the US maritime blockade continues, requiring Iran's permission for passage. US President Donald Trump said the strait is open but the blockade will persist until a full agreement, as the parties disagree on the removal of Iran's enriched uranium.
The Ehtebar Desk — originates with Khaama Press — corroborated by Pajhwok and Amu TV — 2 min read
Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf has warned that the Strait of Hormuz will not remain open if the United States continues its maritime blockade of Iranian ports.
In statements on X, Qalibaf said passage through the strait would require Iran's permission and must follow designated routes approved by Tehran. He dismissed recent statements by US President Donald Trump as lies that will not succeed in war or negotiations.
Trump stated that the Strait of Hormuz is completely open. He added that the US naval blockade will remain in place until a final agreement is reached with Iran. Trump also said he would not extend a ceasefire without a deal by Wednesday.
The two sides hold conflicting positions on Iran's enriched uranium. Trump has claimed it would be jointly removed, but Iranian officials including the Foreign Ministry have stated it will not leave national control.
Read the original reporting at Khaama Press →
Reliability assessment
Multiple independent outlets report on-record public statements by named Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf on X, alongside referenced statements by US President Donald Trump. Per guidelines, 'X said Y' from a named public figure is concrete, attributable, and reliable regardless of topic sensitivity; current status is not downgraded.
The source language reads straight.
Across the newsrooms
Where reports agree
- Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf/Ghalibaf publicly stated on X that continued US blockade could lead to restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran will control via designated routes and permission
- Qalibaf described US statements as lies or false claims that will not lead to success in conflict or negotiations
- Donald Trump asserted that the Strait of Hormuz remains open but the US blockade of Iranian ports will continue until a full agreement is finalized
- Iranian officials have rejected US positions regarding the transfer or extraction of enriched uranium, insisting it remains under Iranian control
Where reports differ
- Amu TV reports Qalibaf saying the strait 'will not remain open'; Khaama Press phrases it as Iran 'could restrict access' or 'may close' if the blockade continues
- Khaama Press reports Trump setting a specific Wednesday deadline for a deal/ceasefire extension; Amu TV does not mention any deadline
- Khaama Press includes extensive additional context on global energy impacts, broader regional conflicts (Israel-Lebanon), Pakistan-mediated talks, and analyst views on escalation risks; Amu TV focuses primarily on the direct quotes and statements without this background
- Amu TV references a prior statement from Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson on uranium; Khaama Press attributes the rejection more generally to Iranian officials
Filed by 3 outlets
Khaama Press
Originating
Reported straight
Reported straight
Pajhwok
Reported straight
Reported straight
Amu TV
Reported straight
Reported straight
Filed under
International — Strait of Hormuz, Iran, United States, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Donald Trump
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