"One-Sided Deals Are Over": Ghalibaf Responds to US Strikes in Strait of Hormuz

New Delhi, India Jul 12, 2026 ALN: Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf on Sunday (local time) issued a stern response to the US attacks, stating that the "one-sided" Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the two sides was "over." This declaration comes amid heightened tensions in the region, particularly in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, which has long been a flashpoint for military and diplomatic confrontations between Iran and the United States.

In a post on X, the Speaker highlighted the fifth point in the MoU, which concerns the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and noted, "Upon the signing of this MOU, the Islamic Republic of Iran will make arrangements using its best efforts for the safe passage of commercial vessels with no charge for 60 days only, from the Persian Gulf to the Sea of Oman and vice versa..." This point underscores the critical nature of the Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant portion of the world’s oil supply transits, making it a key economic artery for global trade.

Ghalibaf claimed that the US backed off from the deal and affirmed, "The era of one-sided deals is OVER. We told you: keep your word or pay the price. Reality is knocking." His remarks reflect a broader sentiment within Iranian political circles, which perceive the United States as failing to uphold its commitments under international agreements, particularly in the context of the 2015 nuclear deal, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). The US withdrawal from this agreement in 2018 and the subsequent re-imposition of sanctions on Iran have exacerbated hostilities and contributed to a climate of mistrust.

His response comes as US Central Command (CENTCOM) on Saturday (local time) completed a third round of strikes this week against Iran, stating that they were holding Iranian forces accountable for attacking another commercial ship in the Strait of Hormuz, as outlined in an official statement by CENTCOM. The US military reported that these strikes targeted approximately 140 Iranian military sites with precision munitions launched by land- and sea-based fighter aircraft, drones, and naval vessels. The strikes were described as part of a broader campaign to deter Iranian aggression and protect maritime navigation in the region.

Targets included Iranian missile and drone sites, naval capabilities, ammunition storage facilities, communication networks, and coastal surveillance locations. The scale of the operation, which reportedly involved over 300 strikes in just three nights, indicates a significant escalation in US military engagement in the region. CENTCOM stated that these actions were taken to degrade Iran's ability to attack civilian mariners and commercial vessels freely transiting the strait. Despite the ongoing military actions, CENTCOM emphasized that commercial vessel transits through this vital international maritime corridor continue.

In retaliation, Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed to have destroyed a military command-and-control center and drone hangars in Jordan, as reported by Al Jazeera. This escalation of hostilities not only highlights the risks of military confrontations but also raises concerns about the potential for wider conflict involving multiple regional actors.

Qatar issued a strong condemnation of the attacks and called for "an immediate and complete cessation" of the Iranian military actions. In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs held Tehran responsible and stated that it "reserves its full right to respond." Qatar's condemnation underscores the broader regional implications of the conflict, as Gulf states increasingly find themselves caught in the crossfire of US-Iranian tensions.

"The State of Qatar strongly condemns the renewed attacks launched by the Islamic Republic of Iran against its territory, as well as on the territories of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Sultanate of Oman, and the State of Kuwait, considering these attacks a blatant violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the targeted countries, and a flagrant breach of international law, the Charter of the United Nations, and the principles of good neighborliness," the statement read. This reflects a growing concern among Gulf states about Iran's military posture and its implications for regional stability.

Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs further emphasized that the continued actions "could escalate tensions, and a serious return to dialogue and negotiations, as well as adherence to the understandings reached through diplomatic efforts," is necessary to prevent further deterioration of the situation. The call for dialogue highlights the fragile state of regional diplomacy and the urgent need for mechanisms to address grievances and reduce the risk of military confrontation.

Additionally, Jordan described the Iranian attacks on its Gulf neighbors as a "blatant violation of their sovereignty, a threat to their security, stability, and territorial integrity, a dangerous escalation." The Jordanian government has positioned itself as a mediator in regional conflicts and has historically sought to maintain stability in the face of external pressures.

"The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan condemns today the brutal Iranian attacks on the sisterly United Arab Emirates, the sisterly Kingdom of Bahrain, the sisterly Sultanate of Oman, the sisterly State of Qatar, and the sisterly State of Kuwait; a flagrant violation of their sovereignty, a threat to their security and stability and the safety of their territories, a dangerous escalation, and a blatant breach of international law and the United Nations Charter. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Affairs affirmed, in a statement, Jordan's absolute solidarity with the sisterly states and its standing with them in all steps they take to protect their sovereignty, security, and the safety of their citizens and residents therein," Jordan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs wrote in a post on X. This statement reflects Jordan's strategic alliances and its commitment to regional stability amid escalating tensions.

Notably, these US strikes came just hours after the IRGC announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz "until further notice," declaring that the strategic waterway would remain shut until the United States ends its "interference" in the West Asia region, according to Press TV. This declaration raises significant concerns about the implications of a prolonged closure of this critical maritime route, which could have severe repercussions for global oil markets and international trade. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most crucial chokepoints for oil shipments, and any disruption could lead to increased oil prices and heightened geopolitical tensions.

The current situation exemplifies the precarious balance of power in the region and the potential for miscalculations that could lead to broader conflict. As both sides continue to engage in military posturing, the need for diplomatic channels to de-escalate tensions becomes increasingly urgent. The international community is closely monitoring developments, as the repercussions of these events extend beyond the immediate region, impacting global security and economic stability.