Iran's top security official, Mohsen Rezaei, has stated that the US response to Tehran's demands has not been convincing. Rezaei, who is also a senior commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), emphasized that the US must provide a comprehensive and clear response to Iran's seven demands. In a post on his social media account, Rezaei said that only then will the Strait of Hormuz be opened.
Rezaei's comments come amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to ease tensions between Iran and the US. The Iranian Foreign Ministry has stressed that any understanding with the US is conditional on a firm commitment to ending the war on all fronts, including Lebanon. Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Ismail Baghaei, said that Tehran views diplomacy and the field as means of defense.
Baghaei also noted that Iran is not afraid of diplomacy, but is cautious due to the US's history of violating previous agreements. He emphasized that any understanding with the US is conditional on a firm commitment to stopping the war on all fronts. Qatar has been playing a mediating role between Iran and the US, with a Qatari delegation visiting Tehran on Monday to hold talks with Iranian officials.
The Qatari Foreign Ministry has stated that the US and Iran are continuing to study proposals and ideas aimed at bridging the gap between them. The ministry's spokesperson, Majid Al-Ansari, said that the Qatari delegation had returned to Doha after holding a three-hour meeting with Iranian officials. Al-Ansari emphasized that efforts to bring the two sides closer are ongoing.
US President Donald Trump has said that he is not in a hurry to make a decision on taking military action against Iran. Trump told Axios that he is considering three possible courses of action: reaching a diplomatic agreement, resuming military action, or maintaining economic pressure on Iran without a new agreement.
The Wall Street Journal has reported that Trump is inclined to launch a broad attack on Iran after the midterm elections, possibly targeting Iranian infrastructure and nuclear facilities. However, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has stated that Tehran is still willing to continue negotiations.
The developments come amid heightened tensions between Iran and the US, with both sides engaging in a war of words and diplomatic efforts to ease tensions. The situation remains uncertain, with various scenarios possible, including a diplomatic breakthrough, renewed military conflict, or continued economic pressure.
Key points
- Iran's top security official rejects US response to demands
- Diplomatic efforts ongoing to ease tensions between Iran and US
- US President considers military action against Iran
