Iranian officials are portraying the agreement that ended the recent conflict with the United States as a major political victory, with senior leaders insisting Tehran was not pressured into accepting the deal.
Speaking on Wednesday, Iranian parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf described the agreement as a “declaration of U.S. defeat,” rejecting suggestions that Iran had been forced to negotiate under military pressure.
Ghalibaf said the understanding reached between Washington and Tehran was not the result of coercion but rather reflected Iran’s ability to withstand pressure while protecting its national interests.
The remarks come as both countries attempt to solidify a fragile peace agreement aimed at preventing a return to conflict and reopening critical trade routes through the Persian Gulf.
One of the most urgent challenges remains the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, where thousands of sailors have been stranded following weeks of disruption caused by the fighting. The United Nations has begun efforts to evacuate approximately 11,000 sailors affected by the crisis as commercial shipping slowly resumes.
The Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway through which roughly one-fifth of global oil shipments pass, became a focal point of international concern during the conflict. Disruptions to shipping contributed to sharp increases in global energy prices before markets began stabilizing following the ceasefire.
Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio sought to reassure regional allies about the agreement, stating that Iran would not be permitted to charge tolls or impose restrictions on commercial traffic through the Strait of Hormuz once a final deal is completed.
Rubio’s comments are part of a broader U.S. diplomatic effort to secure support for the agreement among Gulf states that remain wary of Iran’s regional ambitions.
Despite the breakthrough between Washington and Tehran, tensions continue elsewhere in the region. Israel’s military said it carried out operations against Hezbollah fighters in southern Lebanon, highlighting ongoing security concerns beyond the U.S.-Iran dispute.
At the same time, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz signalled that Israel intends to maintain its military presence in parts of Lebanon regardless of international pressure. Katz stated that Israeli forces would not withdraw even if the United States requested such a move.
The developments underscore the complexity of achieving lasting stability in the Middle East. While the U.S.-Iran agreement has reduced the immediate risk of a wider regional war, disputes involving Israel, Hezbollah and broader questions surrounding Iran’s influence continue to pose significant challenges.
