Qalibaf: We Prefer Diplomacy with Washington but Are Ready for War

SadaNews - Iran's chief negotiator, Mohammad Baqir Qalibaf, said on Tuesday that his country prefers diplomacy with Washington but is prepared for war.

Qalibaf indicated that Tehran is exchanging views with Gulf countries, according to news agencies.

He warned that Iran will never compromise on its rights in the Strait of Hormuz.

He affirmed that sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz belongs to Iran and Oman, and passage through it occurs according to arrangements set by Iran.

He noted that the memorandum of understanding states that passage through the Strait of Hormuz will be without cost for only 60 days.

Qalibaf spoke about oil, stating that his country is currently selling its oil at a price 20% higher than it was previously.

He confirmed that his country has exported over 40 million barrels of oil since the end of the naval blockade.

He threatened, saying that if the U.S. intends to deprive Iran of selling oil, no one will benefit from the oil.

Qalibaf asserted that "Iran will not participate in any further negotiations until the conditions outlined in the memorandum of understanding are met," referring to "the establishment of a committee by Tehran, Washington, and Beirut to oversee the end of the war in Lebanon."

The 14-point agreement grants the two sides a 60-day period to negotiate an end to the conflict that began with U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, and to resolve contentious issues including the future of Iran's nuclear program.

The conflict has disrupted global trade in oil and other goods, posed threats of Iranian drone and missile attacks on Gulf countries, and resulted in the deaths of thousands, mostly in Iran and Lebanon.

Since the outbreak of war four months ago, maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has nearly come to a complete halt, a route that previously accounted for about one-fifth of the world's trade in oil and liquefied natural gas.