Iran has declared the interim peace deal signed with the United States to end the Middle East conflict as 'America's declaration of defeat.' Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the head of Iran's negotiating team and speaker of its parliament, stated that the agreement was a result of Iranian resistance rather than external pressure.
'That is why, the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding became a declaration of America's defeat,' Ghalibaf said during a conference in Azerbaijan, broadcast on Iranian television. He added that regional security should be maintained by countries within the region.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed anger at the U.S. Senate for passing a war powers vote that demanded he either cease military actions against Iran or seek congressional approval. The Republican-controlled Senate approved the measure, originally passed by the House of Representatives, by a slim margin. However, the vote is largely symbolic, as it will not be sent to Trump for his signature and does not hold legal force.
Trump criticized the vote on Truth Social, calling it 'poorly timed and meaningless.' He argued that the Senate's action provided 'aid and comfort to the Enemy' by signaling U.S. disapproval of his actions against Iran. He specifically mentioned that 'Four Republican Losers voted with the Dumocrats,' which prompted Iran to question the implications of the vote, making his negotiating position more difficult.
The recently signed peace deal includes a commitment from Iran to use its 'best efforts for the safe passage of commercial vessels with no charge for 60 days' through the Strait of Hormuz. The agreement also stipulates that Iran will collaborate with Oman to 'define the future administration and maritime services' of the strait, although the long-term arrangements remain uncertain.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that tolls cannot be charged on an international waterway, aligning with the UK's stance on maintaining fee-free passage. This assertion comes amidst ongoing uncertainty surrounding the critical Gulf waterway, a central point in U.S.-Iran negotiations.
Tehran had previously claimed to have re-closed the Strait of Hormuz days after the interim peace deal was signed, in response to strikes by Israel on Lebanon. President Trump had previously warned that the U.S. might impose its own levies on the channel if a final agreement with Iran was not reached within the 60-day negotiation period.
While ship transits through the strait have resumed, volumes are still below pre-war levels, with operators citing the need for demining and ensuring safe passage. The International Maritime Organization is proceeding with plans to evacuate over 11,000 seafarers stranded in the region, a move welcomed by the UK Foreign Secretary.
Securing unrestricted passage through the Strait of Hormuz was a key demand in the negotiations, as its closure had previously disrupted global oil and gas supplies, leading to increased fuel and food prices. The initial accord guarantees toll-free passage for 60 days, pending a final settlement on Iran's nuclear program.
However, the pact appears to grant Iran a significant role in the future administration of the waterway. Iran and Oman, along with other Gulf states, are tasked with defining future maritime services in the Strait, provided it aligns with international law ensuring freedom of navigation.
Iran's Persian Gulf Strait Authority has stipulated that vessels must submit passage requests at least 48 hours in advance. While administrative tariffs, including for related Iranian insurance, are waived during the 60-day negotiation period, this leaves open the possibility of future fees.
Secretary Rubio reiterated that charging tolls on an international waterway is contrary to existing international law. The UK Foreign Office has also stated that "toll-free freedom of navigation must now be restored in the Strait of Hormuz in line with international law."
The interim deal has faced criticism in Washington, particularly from some Republican allies, for allowing Iran to resume oil sales and for the potential of a future $300 billion reconstruction fund. The agreement does not address Iran's ballistic missile program, a prior U.S. demand.
President Trump also stated that Iran had agreed to 'nuclear inspections into infinity,' a claim Tehran has denied. Rubio commented on these discrepancies, suggesting that Iran might be navigating its internal politics, but affirmed that the U.S. knows the terms of the agreement and will act accordingly if Iran fails to comply.