Iran's chief negotiator says US is a source of regional insecurity

Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf declared that the United States is a "source of regional insecurity" and issued a stark ultimatum to Gulf neighbors: either all countries export their oil freely, or none will. Ghalibaf, who is also Iran's chief negotiator, warned that the Strait of Hormuz will not return to its pre-war status without a U.S. withdrawal and that regional infrastructure will not be safe if Iran's security is not guaranteed.

These statements come amid ongoing tensions and exchanges of strikes between the U.S. and Iran, with the Strait of Hormuz serving as a primary flashpoint. President Donald Trump had previously announced "major combat operations" against Iran and vowed the "MOST CRUSHING ECONOMIC OPERATION EVER TAKEN." Negotiations between the U.S. and Iran began in June 2026, aiming for a war-ending deal based on a signed memorandum of understanding, but strikes have continued.

Mohsen Rezaee, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, stated that Iran would not export "a single drop of oil" if the U.S. continued its "economic war." He also warned that any country supporting the U.S. economic war would be considered an act of war. The Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA) also indicated that vessels violating protocols for the Strait of Hormuz would face restrictions.

Ghalibaf's remarks also challenged the U.S. security architecture in the Gulf, arguing that American military presence offers no real security and that regional countries must establish an independent security order. This comes as Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's "Operation Economic Outcast" targets Iran's financial lifelines, with Gulf states facing consequences for continuing economic ties with Tehran. The UAE has halted all trade and financial transactions with Iran, while Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait have condemned Iranian attacks.