Iran has issued a sharp warning to the United States amid ongoing negotiations, declaring that control of the Strait of Hormuz, access to frozen Iranian assets, and an end to regional wars are now key conditions for any future deal. In an interview with an Iranian media outlet, Amir Ebrahim Rasouli, advisor to Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, warned Donald Trump that Tehran could once again walk away from talks if Washington resorts to "wordplay."
Key Conditions Set by Iran
Rasouli stressed that the Strait of Hormuz must be managed by Iran in cooperation with regional countries. He accused the United States of backing down during negotiations and claimed that US Vice President JD Vance urged Iran to pressure Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu over the Lebanon conflict. The remarks come as Netanyahu announced an expansion of Israel's military operations in Lebanon.
Strait of Hormuz Control
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical maritime chokepoint through which about 20% of the world's oil passes. Iran has long asserted its right to manage the strait in coordination with neighboring nations. Rasouli emphasized that any deal must recognize Iran's role in ensuring security in the waterway.
Frozen Assets and Regional Conflicts
Another key demand is the unfreezing of Iranian assets held abroad. Rasouli also insisted that an end to regional conflicts, particularly in Lebanon and Yemen, is non-negotiable. He warned that if the US engages in deceptive tactics, Tehran will withdraw from the talks.
The warning comes amid heightened tensions between Iran and the US, with recent incidents including Iranian attempts to lay mines in the Strait of Hormuz and US airstrikes on southern Iran. The situation remains fluid, with both sides signaling readiness for either diplomacy or confrontation.
