As the conflict in the Middle East continues, Iranian officials have attributed the ongoing diplomatic stalemate to the United States, particularly due to the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the Parliament Speaker and chief negotiator for Iran, accused Israel of 'warmongering' and violating ceasefire agreements, stating that these actions make it impossible to reopen the vital shipping route. Ghalibaf emphasized that any ceasefire would be meaningless while the US maintains its naval blockade and Israel continues military aggression. He expressed that Iran will not submit to what he described as Washington's 'bullying'. In response, former President Donald Trump claimed that the US has effective control over its blockade measures against Iran. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian reiterated the need for dialogue and criticized the US for its contradictory actions and rhetoric regarding negotiations. He highlighted that the blockade and threats are significant barriers to achieving genuine diplomatic progress.