BREAKING: Iranian Parliament Speaker Warns Strait of Hormuz “Will Not Remain Open” if US Maintains Blockade on Iranian Ports
Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf accuses Trump of false claims and insists passage will require Iranian authorization; threat escalates tensions hours after Trump decoupled Iran deal from Lebanon and vowed to “Make Lebanon Great Again”
By Reflecto News Staff
April 18, 2026
Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has issued a sharp warning that the Strait of Hormuz “will not remain open” if the United States continues its naval blockade on Iranian ports.
In a series of posts on X, Ghalibaf — who also led Iran’s delegation in recent talks with the U.S. in Pakistan — accused President Donald Trump of making “seven claims in one hour, all of which were false.” He stated explicitly: “With the continuation of the blockade, the Strait of Hormuz will not remain open.” Ghalibaf added that any passage through the vital waterway would follow a “designated route” and require Iranian authorization.
The statement directly contradicts earlier declarations by Iran’s Foreign Minister that the strait was “completely open” to commercial vessels during the current fragile ceasefire period. It also challenges Trump’s assertion that the waterway is “open for business and full passage,” even as he insisted the U.S. naval blockade on Iranian ports would “remain in full force” until a comprehensive deal is reached.
Escalating Rhetoric on the Strategic Chokepoint
The Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly one-fifth of global oil trade passes, has become the central flashpoint in the U.S.-Iran standoff. Iran briefly disrupted shipping earlier in the conflict, prompting Trump’s now-expired 8 p.m. ET deadline for full reopening.
While Iran announced the strait was open for commercial traffic in line with the ceasefire (which also included a 10-day truce with Lebanon), the continued U.S. blockade on Iranian vessels and ports has created confusion and limited actual traffic. Shipping data shows far fewer vessels transiting than normal.
Ghalibaf’s warning raises the risk of renewed closure or selective authorization, which could spike global energy prices and trigger further escalation.
Trump Decouples Iran Deal from Lebanon
In separate remarks today, President Trump explicitly stated that any deal with Iran is not tied to the situation in Lebanon. He promised reconstruction and stability for the war-torn country, declaring, “We will make Lebanon great again.”
Trump had earlier prohibited Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from further bombing in Lebanon, enforcing the 10-day ceasefire with the blunt message “Enough is enough!!!” Netanyahu acknowledged the truce was agreed “at the request of my friend, President Trump,” but noted Israel had “not yet finished the job.”
A recent Channel 12 poll in Israel showed 56% of respondents do not want Netanyahu to continue as Prime Minister, highlighting domestic political strain.
Nuclear File and Third-Party Proposals
On the nuclear front, Trump continues to claim Iran has “agreed to everything,” including cooperation on its enriched uranium stockpile. Iranian officials reject this, insisting the material will not be transferred abroad.
China has offered a potential compromise by signaling willingness to take custody of or down-blend Iran’s approximately 970 pounds of near-weapons-grade enriched uranium as a neutral third-party solution.
Pakistan remains actively involved in mediation, vowing to “go to all lengths” to secure a permanent peace deal.
Military and Regional Posture
The world’s largest aircraft carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford, has arrived in the Middle East, bolstering U.S. naval power near the strait alongside the USS Abraham Lincoln.
Kuwait continues its overnight stay-home advisory as a precautionary measure amid fears of Iranian retaliation against Gulf infrastructure.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has condemned Iranian actions as “terrorist activity” by a state sponsor of terrorism. The White House has ruled out nuclear options.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s assessments of Iranian capabilities face ongoing internal scrutiny, while Sen. Ron Johnson hopes threats against civilian infrastructure remain negotiating “bluster.”
Parallel Conflicts
In Ukraine, British-made Malloy T-150 drones helped destroy a Russian-controlled bridge near Kherson. The UK’s HMS Dragon remains ready near Cyprus after minor maintenance.
Implications for Global Energy and Diplomacy
Ghalibaf’s statement adds significant uncertainty to an already fragile ceasefire. Any renewed disruption to the Strait of Hormuz would have immediate global economic consequences, affecting oil and LNG supplies worldwide.
Indirect talks, facilitated by Pakistan and potentially aided by China’s uranium proposal, continue, but deep disagreements persist on sanctions, verification, and the blockade.
Reflecto News will provide continuous, real-time updates as the situation develops.
FAQs on Iranian Warning, Strait of Hormuz, and Regional Ceasefires
Q: What did Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf say?
A: He warned that with the continuation of the U.S. blockade, the Strait of Hormuz “will not remain open” and that passage would require Iranian authorization.
Q: Is the Strait of Hormuz currently open?
A: Iran declared it open to commercial vessels during the ceasefire, but actual traffic remains limited due to the ongoing U.S. blockade on Iranian ports. Trump maintains the blockade stays in force until a full deal is reached.
Q: What did Trump say about the Iran deal and Lebanon?
A: Trump stated the Iran deal is not tied to Lebanon and promised “We will make Lebanon great again,” while enforcing a 10-day ceasefire by prohibiting further Israeli bombing there.
Q: What is China’s proposal on enriched uranium?
A: China has offered to take custody of or down-blend Iran’s stockpile as a neutral third-party solution.
Q: What role is Pakistan playing?
A: Pakistan has vowed to “go to all lengths” to help secure a permanent US-Iran peace deal through active mediation.
Q: Why is the USS Gerald R. Ford’s arrival significant?
A: The world’s largest aircraft carrier strengthens U.S. naval and air capabilities in the region amid heightened tensions.
Q: How can I stay updated?
A: Follow Reflecto News for accurate, timely coverage of the US-Iran crisis, the Strait of Hormuz situation, Lebanon ceasefire, and diplomatic developments.
This article is based on verified statements from Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, President Trump, U.S. officials, and reporting from AP, Reuters, The Guardian, BBC, and other credible sources as of April 18, 2026. All quotes are accurately attributed.