In a recent interview with Al-Jazeera, the Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, Mohsen Rezaei, once again emphasised the conditions that Tehran considers necessary for the resumption of peace talks with the US. These conditions include a cessation of all hostilities, the unfreezing of Iranian assets and the lifting of the naval blockade. This statement came against the backdrop of ongoing consultations with mediators such as Qatar and Pakistan, whilst awaiting a response from US President Donald Trump.
Iran has raised these issues on numerous occasions previously, whilst also emphasising its right to control shipping through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. This waterway is a key route for the transport of a significant proportion of the world’s oil and gas supplies. Amid mounting pressure, Rezaei noted that accepting Tehran’s demands is also in the United States’ own interests, warning that Trump’s threats would not yield the desired results. Moreover, Iran is preparing for a possible escalation of the conflict.
Against the backdrop of these statements, attention is focused on the upcoming summit on 22 September, where Trump will meet with the leaders of six Gulf states on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York. This meeting could prove pivotal in determining the future course of the conflict: whether the focus will be on diplomacy or whether military escalation will prevail. The US President has expressed hope for an end to the war and noted that Iran is seeking to conclude a treaty, although Rezaei had previously emphasised that negotiations would not take place until Iran’s conditions were met.
Meanwhile, the situation in Lebanon remains tense. Israel continues to carry out strikes on Hezbollah positions in response to rocket attacks. Hezbollah, which is supported by Iran and designated as a terrorist organisation by the US, controls a significant part of southern Lebanon. Tehran is demanding that Israel cease military operations as part of any peace agreement, which adds a further layer of complexity to discussions on potential peace initiatives.