New York: Iran has outlined a key condition for restarting diplomatic talks with the United States, with UN Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani declaring Tehran will only negotiate once Washington lifts its naval blockade.
Drawing from an interview with Rudlaw News Network at UN headquarters, as reported by Tasnim News Agency, the envoy made clear that any discussions hinge on the US ceasing its “ceasefire violations.”
Iran’s Firm Stance on Blockade Removal
“The naval blockade of the United States, it is a violation of the ceasefire. And we told them that they should break this blockade. We have received some sign that they are ready to break it. And as soon as they break this blockade, I think that the next round of the negotiation will take place in Istanbul. Listen to them, we have not initiated the military aggression. They initiated the war against us and we are ready. If they want to sit on table and discuss and find a political solution, they will find us ready. If they want to go to the war, in this case also Iran is ready for that,” Iravani stated.
The comments point to an open line of communication but highlight the blockade as the main roadblock to official negotiations. This position reflects longstanding distrust between the adversaries during an extended but tenuous ceasefire. Late Wednesday, US President Donald Trump said he would extend the truce further to create space for diplomacy, as reported by The Economic Times.
Trump’s Claims on Iran’s Economic Pressures
Trump earlier asserted that Iran is discreetly urging the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to stem heavy financial losses, despite its tough public rhetoric.
He portrayed Iran’s apparent defiance over the strait as theater for domestic viewers, not a true indicator of its economic woes. “Iran doesn’t want the Strait of Hormuz closed; they want it open so they can make USD 500 million a day (which is, therefore, what they are losing if it is closed!)” he posted, underscoring the blockade’s strain on Tehran’s economy.
The strait endures as the conflict’s core flashpoint. As the vital conduit for worldwide oil and liquefied natural gas shipments, its ongoing restrictions continue to endanger global energy markets and maritime safety.
