In a televised address to the nation on Saturday night, Qalibaf said the “third imposed war” began during negotiations through US deception, adding that previous conflicts had also started with the assassination of commanders. He noted that Iran entered the recent conflict with the experience gained from a prior 12-day war in June 2025.

He stated that Iran had demonstrated superiority in terms of planning, quality, and execution, adding that although the enemy may not believe this, it had witnessed it on the battlefield.

Qalibaf pointed to sustained public presence and recent military achievements, saying Iranian forces had intercepted between 170 and 180 drones during the US-Israeli war of aggression that began on February 28. He also referred to the downing of advanced fighter jets as the result of extensive design and operational efforts developed over several months.

The speaker clarified that Iran does not claim to possess greater overall military power than the United States, acknowledging Washington’s superior resources, but said Iran considers itself victorious in the conflict due to its performance and outcomes.

He stressed that while military equipment is important, it is not always decisive, attributing Iran’s success to planning and preparedness. He added that the enemy continues to miscalculate both the Iranian people and the country’s military strategy.

Qalibaf described Iran as victorious both on the ground and in diplomacy, referring to the country’s approach as a “diplomacy of power.”

He underscored that Iran has no trust in its adversaries and warned that escalation remains possible at any moment, while reaffirming that negotiations are ongoing alongside full readiness for necessary action.

According to Qalibaf, proposals had been relayed to Iran through several countries, including Pakistan, and were reviewed in detail by the Supreme National Security Council around the 36th day of the war. He said Iran had firmly resisted pressure and responded in kind to threats, including ultimatums attributed to US President Donald Trump, warning that any escalation would have consequences for the United States and beyond.

He added that after failing to impose its demands militarily or through threats, the aggressor resorted to indirect messaging, noting that Iran remains even more resolute now than before the ceasefire.

Qalibaf also said that one of Iran’s conditions for a ceasefire was that it must include Hezbollah, arguing that the resistance group had engaged in the conflict in support of Iran and must therefore be covered by any truce.

He further criticized recent US moves to impose a naval blockade on Iran, calling them misguided, and asserted that Iran maintains full control over the Strait of Hormuz, stressing that no party could pass through the waterway without Iran being able to do so.

The speaker said Iran had achieved its objectives while the enemy failed to meet its own, and emphasized that Tehran would not allow the US to claim a role or interfere in the strategic strait.

He also reiterated that Iran seeks a durable peace but remains deeply distrustful of the United States, expressing hope for a guaranteed and lasting settlement that would prevent a return to cycles of war, ceasefire, and renewed conflict.