As Iran and Israel exchanged fire on June 7–8, and with U.S. President Donald Trump asserting that a deal is near, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf made it clear on Tuesday, stating that Tehran’s strategy is to pursue both military action and diplomacy simultaneously, asserting that neither approach alone can secure the country’s national interests.
In an audio message addressed to the Iranian nation, Ghalibaf said Iran remains committed to diplomatic efforts aimed at ending what he described as “US-Israeli aggression,” while retaining the option of military action in response to any violations of the ceasefire announced earlier this year, Iranian media reported.
“Iran’s strategy is to simultaneously pursue war and diplomacy to defend the rights of the Iranian nation,” Press TV quoted him as saying, adding that Tehran is prepared to immediately resume military operations if the United States or Israel breaches the ceasefire terms.
Ghalibaf’s remarks came after Iran launched missile strikes against Israel, which Tehran said were in response to alleged violations of the ceasefire agreement, including attacks linked to developments in Lebanon.
Defending Iran’s two-pronged approach, he said, “If we view diplomacy merely as closed-door negotiations and diplomatic smiles, we are doomed to fail from the very start. And if we rely solely on military operations and war, we cannot fully defend our rights.”
The Speaker accused Washington of violating the ceasefire through its naval restrictions on Iran and alleged breaches of understandings related to Lebanon.
“America’s naval blockade against the Iranian nation and breaching the agreement reached about Lebanon were clear violations of the ceasefire,” he said.
Calling Iran’s response justified, Ghalibaf stated, “It was natural for us to give a decisive response in defense of the rights of the Iranian nation,” while praising the country’s armed forces for acting “with authority.”
Highlighting the relationship between military power and diplomacy, he said, “Diplomacy does not hinder military operations, nor do military operations hinder diplomacy.”
According to Ghalibaf, military capabilities serve as the foundation of deterrence, while diplomacy is responsible for converting that strength into political, legal and economic gains.
He also underlined Tehran’s deep mistrust of Washington despite ongoing diplomatic engagement.
“Our goal is to end the war and establish lasting security, not to normalize relations with the United States,” he said.
“We have no trust in the opposite side,” Ghalibaf added, stressing that Iran’s diplomatic efforts are focused on securing national interests and ending hostilities rather than improving ties with the
