West Asia war LIVE updates: Ghalibaf says Hormuz will be administered by Iran

In a significant development for West Asia, Iran Parliament Speaker and chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, has asserted that Tehran will administer the Strait of Hormuz, declaring the vital waterway 'will never return to its pre-war conditions.' This strong statement follows a recent agreement between Iran and the United States to keep the Strait open and end fighting in Lebanon, indicating a complex blend of diplomatic de-escalation and a firm assertion of Iranian control over a globally critical chokepoint. The Strait of Hormuz is paramount for global energy security, with nearly one-fifth of global oil consumption and a significant portion of liquefied natural gas transiting through it. The recent agreement aims to restore stability after a period of heightened geopolitical tension and disruptions, which saw the Strait partially closed and naval mines deployed. While the US-Iran deal focuses on maintaining open shipping routes and resolving the long-standing proxy conflicts in Lebanon, Ghalibaf's declaration signals Iran intent to formalize its supervisory role through mechanisms like the newly formed Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA), even as it promises adherence to international law. The immediate focus shifts to the practical implementation of this agreement: how Iran asserted 'administration' will coexist with international maritime security protocols, and how the ceasefire in Lebanon will hold. The temporary lifting of US sanctions on Iranian oil exports and the unfreezing of assets are crucial parts of this framework, demonstrating an economic incentive for compliance. This breakthrough could pave the way for broader dialogue, potentially even on the contentious Iranian nuclear deal, but Ghalibaf's unwavering stance underscores Iran determination to redefine regional maritime governance, leaving global powers watching for sustained stability or renewed friction.