Iran proposes 7 conditions for talks with Trump; threatens to escalate war if not met
Tehran/Washington (The Uttam Hindu): Iran has indicated it is open to talks to end the ongoing war with the US. However, Tehran has clarified that the talks will be held on its terms only. Iran has conveyed its conditions to US President Donald Trump through Qatar and is now awaiting his response. Mohsen Rezaei, Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, has said that if the US accepts these conditions, diplomatic talks can proceed, but if the conditions are rejected, Iran is ready for a decisive war.
In an interview with Al Jazeera, Rezai stated that Qatar has conveyed Iran's conditions to Washington, and Tehran is now awaiting President Trump's response. He stated that Iran has set seven conditions for resuming talks. However, Rezai did not publicly detail all seven conditions. He did specify three key demands: an end to the war on all fronts, the release of Iran's frozen funds, and the lifting of the US naval blockade.
Rezai warned the US that Trump's threats will not deter Iran from changing its stance. He said that Iran wants to end the conflict through negotiations rather than bowing to the US, but is prepared for military confrontation if diplomatic avenues are blocked. He said that the US now has to take the next step, and Tehran is awaiting Trump's response.
Iran has expressed a desire for negotiations, while also signaling continued military preparations. According to Rezaei, Iran has altered its military strategy following the failure of previous negotiations with the United States. He claimed that Iran recently tested a multi-warhead anti-ship missile near US naval assets in the Gulf region. However, this claim has not been independently confirmed.
Rezaei stated that Iran is prepared to respond to any potential US attack. He also indicated that Tehran is working on a strategy to find a way to end the conflict quickly. His message was clear: Iran is keeping the door open to diplomacy, but is not completely closing off the military option.
Qatar and Pakistan are acting as mediators to restart indirect talks between Iran and the United States. The previous agreement between the two countries collapsed in August, following which efforts are underway to stop the conflict and resume dialogue. Qatar has conveyed Iran's new terms to the United States, while Pakistan is also trying to restore dialogue between the two sides.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has also hinted at a significant decision regarding further military action against Iran. Iran's offer of talks, coupled with a threat of decisive war, has presented the US with a crucial choice between diplomacy and military action.