Iranian Supreme National Security Council Secretary, Mohsen Rezaei, held a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. According to Iran's official media, the two leaders talked about the current situation in the region. This conversation comes as the United States and Israel have hinted at resuming hostilities with Iran, which has been at war since February.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that the country's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, has granted the government certain powers to negotiate with the United States. Pezeshkian mentioned that the goal is to resolve the issue through dialogue and that the government has been given some authority in this regard. These negotiations aim to end the conflict in the Middle East and prevent further escalation.
Iran has expressed its readiness to reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a vital passage for energy shipments, within two days, provided certain conditions are met. The country's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Ismail Baghaei, stated that this move demonstrates Iran's good intentions. He added that if Iran's demands are met, the country can restore security to the strait and resume negotiations.
According to Baghaei, Iran and the United States continue to exchange messages through intermediaries. He emphasized that the success of these talks depends on the US accepting Iran's demands. Once this happens, the two countries can discuss further steps. Iran has been seeking to revive the 2015 nuclear deal, which has been stalled since the US withdrew from it in 2018.
The conflict in the Middle East began on February 28, following US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran that resulted in the death of several high-ranking officials, including the country's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei. In response, Iran has imposed its control over the Strait of Hormuz and has been targeting ships attempting to pass through without permission.
Iran had previously presented a plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within seven days, which was rejected by US President Donald Trump. However, Tehran remains open to negotiations. The country's conditions for reopening the strait include a ceasefire on all fronts, the release of frozen assets, and the lifting of sanctions on its oil sector.
Iranian Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, added that the US must also accept a new plan agreed upon by Iran and Oman for navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. He emphasized that Washington should cancel sanctions imposed in recent months and reduce its military presence in the region. These demands are crucial to reaching a lasting agreement and ending the conflict in the Middle East.
Key points
- Iran's Supreme National Security Council Secretary, Mohsen Rezaei, discusses the Middle East conflict with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
- Iran is willing to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within two days if its demands are met.
- The conflict in the Middle East has led to a significant escalation of tensions between Iran and the United States.
