As reports emerged of possible talks to end the war between the US and Iran, even as US President Donald Trump shot down proposals for truce talks, Tehran has put forward a list of demands.
While Trump said that “good talks” were taking place with Iran, Tehran, which initially ridiculed Trump’s claims, has now admitted that it has received messages from “some friendly countries indicating an American request for negotiations to end the war.”
At the core of the Iranian position there is a clear message, which is that ending the war alone will not be enough, according to a Reuters report, citing sources. If the talks go ahead, their main demands are expected to include:
- An end to the war
- Guarantees against any future US military action
- Compensation for losses incurred during the conflict
- Official control of the Strait of Hormuz, an important global energy route
- Iran will also refuse to negotiate any restrictions on its ballistic missile program
These concessions are likely to be “red lines” for Donald Trump.
“Very, very powerful conversations.”
Despite Donald Trump’s claims that Washington has already held “very robust talks” with Tehran, Iran has publicly denied any such direct negotiations.
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Instead, what is being done now appears to be indirect efforts. Countries such as Pakistan, Turkey and Egypt have participated in preliminary discussions, to test whether there is enough common ground to even begin formal talks.
European officials noted that although there is no direct dialogue yet, messages are being passed through intermediaries, including Gulf states.
A Pakistani official and a second source said on Monday that direct talks on ending the war could be held in Islamabad this week.
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However, final decisions will rest with the powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which has gained increasing influence since the conflict began.
On the other hand, Israeli officials remain skeptical about the prospects of reaching any agreement. They believe that US demands are likely to include restrictions on Iran’s missile and nuclear programmes, conditions that Tehran is unlikely to accept. For Iran, these capabilities are essential deterrent tools, especially after recent military strikes.
Strategically, Iran’s influence lies in its missile arsenal and its ability to disrupt movement through the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran warns Trump against “head for eye.”
Iran issued a new warning to the United States and President Donald Trump. Speaking to official media, Iranian military advisor Mohsen Rezaei said that the “deadline to save America” is approaching.
In a televised interview with the Islamic Republic of Iran News Agency, military advisor to Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei warned that there was not much time left for the United States to “save itself from its quagmire.”
“If you hit our infrastructure, there will no longer be an eye for an eye, but rather a head for an eye, and you will be paralyzed,” Rezaei was quoted as saying, adding that Tehran “will paralyze and drown you.” [the US] In the Gulf.
(With inputs from Reuters)
