Ghalibaf: We Prefer Diplomacy with Washington but Are Prepared for War

Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Speaker of the Iranian Parliament and Iran’s chief negotiator, said on Tuesday that Iran prefers the diplomatic path in dealing with the United States but remains prepared for war.

اضافة اعلان

Speaking in an interview with state television, Ghalibaf stated that Iran was unable to export a single barrel of oil during the U.S. blockade of its ports, noting that exports have risen sharply since the restrictions were lifted.

He said, “From the day the blockade was lifted until today, we have exported more than 40 million barrels of oil.”

Ghalibaf added that Iran is now selling its oil at prices 20% higher than before.

“By contrast, during the previous 50 to 60 days, we were effectively unable to export even a single barrel of oil,” he said.

He also stressed that Iran “will never compromise on its rights in the Strait of Hormuz,” adding that passage through the strait “without cost will only be permitted for 60 days, according to the memorandum of understanding.”

AFP and Reuters