By Desmond Nleya
TEHRAN – Iran’s parliamentary speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, has described the agreement ending the recent conflict with the United States as a “declaration of US defeat,” insisting that Tehran was not forced into negotiations through pressure or coercion.
Speaking on Wednesday, Ghalibaf said the deal was achieved through Iran’s resilience and military strength rather than external pressure, portraying the outcome as a victory for the Islamic Republic.
The remarks came as tensions continued across the Middle East despite the ceasefire. Israel’s military said it carried out strikes against Hezbollah fighters in southern Lebanon, while Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz declared that Israeli forces would remain in Lebanon regardless of any requests from Washington to withdraw.
Meanwhile, the United Nations has begun an operation to evacuate approximately 11,000 sailors stranded in and around the Strait of Hormuz following disruptions caused by the conflict.
In Washington, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Iran would not be allowed to impose tolls on vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz under any future agreement, stressing the importance of maintaining freedom of navigation through one of the world’s most critical shipping routes.
The Strait of Hormuz handles a significant portion of global oil and gas exports, making stability in the waterway a key concern for international markets.
Although the ceasefire has reduced the immediate risk of direct confrontation between Tehran and Washington, disagreements over regional security, Lebanon and maritime access remain unresolved.
This version follows a traditional hard-news style with a strong lead, attribution, and concise reporting of the key developments.
Source: Aljazeera
