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Iran deputy FM says temporary ceasefire is unacceptable

Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh

17 April 2026 13:06 (UTC +04:00)

A new protocol should be developed regarding safe passage and environmental issues in the Strait of Hormuz, said Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh while answering a question on the Strait of Hormuz and possible peace talks amid Tehran–Washington tensions at the 5th Antalya Diplomacy Forum, APA’s Türkiye bureau reports.

“You know that this strait has remained open for millennia. The Strait of Hormuz is located within Iran’s territorial waters, meaning it is part of Iran’s territory, but it has been kept open for thousands of years by Iran’s decision. The United States and Israel initiated this aggression against Iran. They decided to choke the entire region, put pressure on Iran, and paralyze the global economy, and the global economy is suffering as a result. This was an unprovoked aggression, an unjustified war, and a war chosen by the United States. They must answer why they started this war,” the diplomat said.

He emphasized that Iran wants the Strait of Hormuz to remain open: “Iran is a very responsible actor, and we want this strait to remain open at all times. However, in line with the new circumstances, it is necessary to adopt new rules. This is important in terms of safe passage and environmental issues. But I can say that if this war ends once and for all, and if the Americans accept fair and balanced terms, step back from their maximalist positions, and accept realities, that is, understand that no one can violate international law and commit aggression against another country, and if Iran’s territorial integrity and sovereignty are respected, then I assure you that the Strait of Hormuz will become a strait of peace and stability throughout history,” the Iranian diplomat said.

Speaking about a ceasefire with the United States, Khatibzadeh stressed that a temporary ceasefire is unacceptable: “We do not accept any temporary ceasefire, because this vicious cycle of using diplomacy to exhaust diplomacy and then starting a war must be ended once and for all. The talks currently underway in Tehran, the process mediated by Field Marshal Asim Munir, are aimed precisely at achieving this goal.”