Iran has warned it is prepared to close the Strait of Hormuz if the United States does not end its blockade of Iranian ports, amid renewed efforts to resume negotiations between the two countries.
On 18 Apr 2026 GMT+7, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, stated that Iran would close the Strait of Hormuz if the U.S. did not lift its maritime blockade on Iran. He also criticized recent remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump as lies, noting that within just one hour, Trump made seven claims—all of which were false. Although he did not specify the exact issues, Ghalibaf asserted that the U.S. cannot win a war through lies and will also fail to achieve results through negotiations.
Earlier the same day, Trump said the blockade on Iranian ports would end immediately upon signing an agreement. He expressed confidence that both sides were close to reaching a deal. Speaking in Arizona, Trump added that a peace agreement with Iran would include U.S. control over Iran's uranium.
This latest development follows reports from Iranian sources that U.S. and Iranian delegations may meet again for talks in Islamabad, Pakistan, on Monday, although the U.S. side has not yet confirmed this officially.