Iran’s chief negotiator and parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said on Tuesday that a “new equation” is emerging in the Strait of Hormuz, indicating a possible change in regional power dynamics.

In a post on X, Ghalibaf suggested that Iran is aware that the current situation in the key shipping route is “intolerable” for the United States.

“The new equation of the Strait of Hormuz is in the process of being solidified. The security of shipping and energy transit has been jeopardised by the United States and its allies through the violation of the ceasefire and the imposition of a blockade; of course, their evil will diminish,” he said.

“We know full well that the continuation of the status quo is intolerable for America; while we have not even begun yet,” he added.

US Moves to Escort Ships

His remarks came shortly after US President Donald Trump announced a plan to escort ships belonging to neutral countries out of the Gulf region.

On Monday, the US military reported that its Apache and Seahawk helicopters carried out strikes on six Iranian boats, accusing them of threatening commercial shipping. It also said it intercepted incoming missiles and drones.

Iran rejected the claims that its combat vessels were hit, but accused the US of killing five civilian passengers on boats during the strikes.

Regional Reactions and Rising Tensions

At the same time, the United Arab Emirates reported fresh Iranian attacks on its territory. Officials described missile and drone strikes, including one targeting an energy facility in Fujairah, as “a dangerous escalation and an unacceptable transgression.”

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia called for renewed diplomatic efforts, urging all sides “to reach a political solution” to ease tensions.

Blockade and Counter-Blockade

The current crisis began after Iran imposed a blockade on foreign vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz following the outbreak of war. The conflict started after a joint US-Israeli strike on February 28 that killed Iran’s former supreme leader.

In response, Trump announced a counter-blockade on April 13, targeting ships using Iranian ports. This move sharply increased tensions over control of one of the world’s most important oil transit routes.

‘Project Freedom’ Raises Stakes

The latest development centres on “Project Freedom,” a US operation launched to provide military escorts to cargo ships stranded in the region.

US officials say the initiative aims to ensure safe passage for global shipping. However, the plan carries significant risks.

Iran’s military command has warned that it will target any US naval vessels entering the area. This raises fears that efforts to secure shipping lanes could lead to a wider conflict and renewed hostilities in the region.

Uncertain Path Ahead

With both sides taking strong positions, the situation in the Strait of Hormuz remains highly volatile. Iran’s reference to a “new equation” suggests a tougher stance, while US military actions signal continued pressure.

As tensions rise, the risk of further escalation continues to grow, with global energy security and regional stability hanging in the balance.