🚨 JUST IN: Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf Tells US to “Withdraw from ‘Israel First’ Mistake”
By Reflecto News Desk
April 16, 2026
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has sharply criticized the United States, demanding that Washington abandon what he called its “‘Israel First’ mistake” and fully comply with the recent ceasefire agreement, including provisions related to Lebanon.
Speaking on the sidelines of discussions about a potential Lebanon ceasefire, Ghalibaf declared: “The United States must comply with the agreement. Resistance and Iran are one soul, both in war and in ceasefire. America should withdraw from ‘Israel First’ mistake.”
He framed the ceasefire between the US and Iran as part of a broader regional understanding that must also encompass Lebanon and the “Axis of Resistance,” insisting that Iran and Hezbollah operate as a unified front.
Context of Ghalibaf’s Statement
Ghalibaf’s remarks come as diplomatic efforts intensify to extend or solidify the fragile short-term US-Iran ceasefire, which is due to expire around April 22. Pakistan continues to mediate, with a second round of direct talks in Islamabad appearing increasingly likely in the coming days.
The Iranian speaker appeared to capitalize on reports of a brewing Lebanon ceasefire, arguing that Tehran’s insistence helped shape the overall agreement. He warned that any violation — particularly continued Israeli actions in Lebanon — would undermine the truce and render further negotiations “unreasonable.”
Broader Regional Tensions
The statement reflects Iran’s long-standing position that US policy in the Middle East is overly biased toward Israel at the expense of Palestinian and Lebanese interests. It also underscores Tehran’s view that the “Axis of Resistance” (including Hezbollah) must be treated as an integral part of any de-escalation deal.
Meanwhile, the US continues enforcing its naval blockade on Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz, with CENTCOM reporting that 10 vessels attempting to evade the restrictions have been redirected, and “zero ships have broken through” since the operation began.
President Trump has described the overall conflict as “very close to over” but has shown little enthusiasm for extending the current ceasefire without significant Iranian concessions on its nuclear program.
Reflecto News will continue monitoring reactions from Washington, Tel Aviv, and Beirut, any confirmation of a second round of US-Iran talks, and developments regarding the Lebanon ceasefire.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Who is Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf?
He is the current Speaker of Iran’s Parliament and a prominent conservative politician with close ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Q2: What does “Israel First” mistake mean?
It is a phrase used by Iranian officials to criticize what they see as excessive US favoritism toward Israel at the expense of Palestinian, Lebanese, and broader regional interests.
Q3: Why did Ghalibaf make this statement now?
It appears timed with reports of a potential Lebanon ceasefire and ongoing efforts to extend or renegotiate the US-Iran truce, allowing Iran to link the agreements and assert the unity of the “Axis of Resistance.”
Q4: Is a new round of US-Iran talks confirmed?
Not yet officially confirmed, but multiple sources indicate it is likely before the April 22 ceasefire deadline, with Islamabad as the probable venue.
Q5: How does this relate to the Hormuz blockade?
The blockade remains in force, adding economic pressure on Iran. Ghalibaf’s comments reflect Tehran’s broader pushback against US actions in the region.
Q6: What is Iran’s position on the ceasefire?
Iran insists the agreement must include Lebanon and the Axis of Resistance, and that the US must fully comply or risk collapse of the truce.
For the latest updates on US-Iran diplomacy, the Lebanon ceasefire situation, the Hormuz blockade, and regional developments, follow Reflecto News — your trusted source for accurate, timely, and balanced international coverage.