Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the Speaker of Iran's Parliament (Majlis) and a key figure in the country's nuclear negotiations, issued a stern warning via social media as tensions with the United States reached their peak.

On the 12th (local time), Speaker Ghalibaf posted on his X (formerly Twitter) account: "The era of one-sided deals is OVER." He continued, "We told you: keep your word or pay the price. Reality is knocking."

Notably, he attached a screenshot of the English text of "Point 5," a key poison pill provision in the recently signed memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the U.S. and Iran, drawing significant attention. The disclosed Point 5 states: "Upon the signing of this MOU, the Islamic Republic of Iran shall, for a period of only 60 days, use its best efforts to ensure the safe passage of commercial vessels through the waters from the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and in the reverse direction, and shall not charge any fees."

Military experts and Middle East analysts interpret Speaker Ghalibaf's direct disclosure of this clause as a demonstration of Iran's resolve to concede no ground in its power struggle with the United States over navigation rights through the Strait of Hormuz. Recently, the Iranian side, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), has used this clause as a basis to assert exclusive control over vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz. They have also indicated plans to impose a type of maritime service toll on ships after the 60-day temporary passage period expires.

Meanwhile, the United States and its allies view this as an infringement on the right to freedom of navigation in international waters, and the diverging interpretations between the two sides are becoming a potential flashpoint for armed conflict and a full-scale escalation of tensions. Speaker Ghalibaf's latest hardline message is interpreted as a signal that the interim agreement between the two countries faces a genuine risk of collapse, and military tensions in the Middle East surrounding the Strait of Hormuz are expected to escalate further.

[This article was produced with the assistance of AI.]