What They're Saying About the Iran Talks—July 2, 2026

U.S.

Central Command | Press Release

“U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) led a regional security dialogue hosted by the Bahrain Defense Force, July 1, for regional defense leaders from 12 nations. Adm. Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander, and senior military officials from Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen discussed the current regional security environment and opportunities for enhancing defense collaboration across the region. Leaders underscored their shared commitment to the free flow of commerce through the Strait of Hormuz.”

IRAN

Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters | Statement

“Any failure to comply, deviation from the designated route, or disregard for the navigation protocols of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the Strait of Hormuz will be met with an immediate and forceful response from the armed forces, endangering the security of the violating vessels. . . . Any attempt by the United States to interfere in security matters or any disruptive action in the Strait of Hormuz will be considered a threat to Iran’s national sovereignty and will be met with a rapid and decisive reaction.”

Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf | Comments on State TV

“The blood of our Imam [[Ali Khamenei] will be avenged by liberating Jerusalem. We must protect the land of Lebanon, but vengeance cannot be achieved through slogans, it requires real power, because our enemy only understands the language of force. . . . Under no circumstances will we grant [the International Atomic Energy Agency] access to nuclear sites that were bombed and damaged. This is [prohibited] by law. . . . [The IAEA] is permitted to visit only two sites: the Bushehr power plant and the Tehran nuclear reactor. That is how it has always been, and we are committed to this. . . . We have done this [the MOU] honorably. I swear to God that this document is proof that America was defeated.”

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi | X

“Has CENTCOM brought security or insecurity to our region? The answer is clear. Equally, our Powerful Armed Forces have proven that outsiders cannot even protect themselves. Peace in our region can only be sustained when comprehensive and inclusive, with no outside interference.”

Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi | X

“Hormuz is defined under Iran's command, not CENTCOM. A military summit in Bahrain cannot establish legal order and security for the Persian Gulf. The region’s security will be ensured through the end of interventions and the U.S. withdrawal from the area, respect for countries’ sovereignty, and acceptance of new geopolitical realities—not under the military umbrella of America.”

Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi | Comments to Press

“America cannot add a single clause to these 14 clauses [of the MOU] during the negotiations.”

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei | X

“The United States has constantly demonstrated its complete contempt for genuine peace and security in West Asia. Such gatherings [as the CENTCOM-led Regional Security Dialogue in Bahrain] are nothing more than performative posturing, aimed at concealing America’s destabilizing policies and lawless behavior in the region. The countries of the region must remain vigilant and draw clear lessons from the most recent U.S. and Israeli military aggressions and malign acts that breached regional peace and security.”

ISRAEL

Israel Defense Forces | X

“LOCATED: An underground shaft and a weapons storage facility containing rockets and mortars in the area of At-Tiri in southern Lebanon. Additionally, in the area of Maroun al-Ras, IDF soldiers located explosive devices, weapons & additional military equipment.”

Israel Defense Forces | X

“ELIMINATED: A Hezbollah terrorist who exited one of the access shafts of the underground terror infrastructure at the Ali al-Taher Ridge, within the Security Zone. The terrorist posed an immediate threat to IDF soldiers operating in the area.”