Tehran Demands End to War, Frozen Asset Release Before US Talks

Iran Sets Conditions for US Talks, Seeks End to War, Asset Release and Naval Blockade Lift

Iran has conveyed a set of conditions to Qatari and Pakistani mediators for any renewed negotiations with the United States, according to Supreme National Security Council Secretary Mohsen Rezaei.

Speaking to Al Jazeera on Saturday, Rezaei said Tehran had told the mediators that the war must end on all fronts, Iranian assets held abroad must be released, and the US naval blockade must be lifted before negotiations can move forward. He said a Qatari mediator had communicated Iran’s demands to Washington and that Tehran was now awaiting a response from US President Donald Trump. 

Iran Awaits Washington's Response

Rezaei said Iran remained in contact with Qatar as part of the mediation effort. He argued that accepting Tehran’s conditions would be in Washington’s interest and said Trump had underestimated Iran.

“We are waiting for the response of the US president,” Rezaei said, according to remarks carried by Iranian state television.

Iran has previously linked the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to similar demands, including an end to military operations, the lifting of the naval blockade and the release of frozen Iranian assets. 

Tehran Warns It Is Prepared for Further Conflict

Rezaei also adopted a tougher tone, saying Iran was prepared for what he described as a “decisive war” and claiming that Tehran was aware of weaknesses in the US military.

“We are more prepared than ever to confront them,” he said.

The latest comments come amid continued diplomatic efforts involving regional intermediaries. Al Jazeera reported earlier this month that Qatar, Pakistan and Oman had been involved in attempts to create a path back to US-Iran negotiations, while Tehran continued to insist that its conditions be addressed first.