As the United States and Iran clashed head-on once again over control of the Strait of Hormuz on July 12 (local time), Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Speaker of the Parliament and leader of Iran's ceasefire negotiations, warned the U.S., stating, "If you do not keep your promises, you will pay the price."

In a post on the social media platform X on the same day, Ghalibaf wrote, "The era of unilateral agreements is over," adding, "We told you, 'If you do not keep your promises, you will pay the price.' Reality is knocking at the door."

Along with the post, Ghalibaf uploaded a photo capturing a portion of Article 5 of the ceasefire Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between the U.S. and Iran on June 17, which outlines the passage and future management of the Strait of Hormuz.

He specifically highlighted the phrase in Article 5 that states, "The Islamic Republic of Iran shall take necessary measures."

This is interpreted as a reaffirmation of Iran's existing position that it is the entity responsible for measures ensuring safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

On this day, Iran announced that it would blockade the Strait of Hormuz until U.S. involvement in the region ends, following an attack on a merchant vessel passing through the strait. In response, the U.S. resumed airstrikes targeting key military facilities in the south, accusing Iran of violating the ceasefire MOU.

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)