Iran sets conditions for re-engaging in talks with US

THERAN, Sept 20: Iran’s security chief Mohsen Rezaei has outlined Tehran’s latest conditions for ending its war with the United States, saying the demands have been conveyed to Washington through Qatari mediators.

In an interview with Al Jazeera on Saturday, Rezaei said Iran was now more prepared for conflict than it had been during the first 40 days of the war, which began in late February after joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran.

“We will confront America with greater force, and with more numerous and more painful strikes,” Rezaei said.

Iran’s latest demands largely resemble those included in the June MoU. They include an end to the war on all fronts, including Lebanon; respect for sovereignty and non-interference in internal affairs; an end to naval blockades; and the release of Iran’s frozen funds.

The previous agreement also included a proposed $300 billion US-backed reconstruction plan, Iranian commitments not to develop or acquire nuclear weapons, and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz for safe shipping.

Other provisions called for US waivers allowing Iranian crude oil exports and related services, no new sanctions on Iran and no deployment of additional US forces in the region.

Rezaei did not mention war reparations, which Tehran had previously demanded. Adel Abdel Ghafar of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute said the main change was the timing and channel of Iran’s message. With the previous agreement dead, he said Tehran was publicly putting responsibility back on Washington.

Rezaei rejected US accusations that Iran violated the MoU by attacking an oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz. He said Iran acted only after US attacks on Bandar Abbas and an Iranian surveillance platform. He also accused Washington of withdrawing unilaterally from a dispute-resolution mechanism established under the agreement.

On the nuclear issue, Rezaei said Iran had not withdrawn from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty despite attacks by the US and Israel, but warned that Tehran could reconsider in the future. He said Iran currently continues to follow a religious decree banning nuclear weapons.

Regarding Hormuz, Rezaei said Iran had come close to reaching an agreement with Oman on managing the waterway, but that regional approval might be required.

The US has not responded to Iran’s conditions. Rezaei said Tehran was waiting for Washington to accept and implement them.

Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad BagherGhalibaf has reiterated Tehran’s stance on the Strait of Hormuz, saying the critical waterway will remain closed until the US fulfils its commitments under the now-defunct peace deal that was signed in June.

Addressing the parliament, Ghalibaf also said that Iran has “explicitly conveyed its messages and conditions to the opposing side through intermediaries”.

“The enemy is well aware that the path of deception and unilateral imposition is closed; until these conditions are met, the legitimate rights of the Iranian nation are recognised, and American commitments are fulfilled, there will be no opening for a return to the previous state of negotiations or for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.”�"AL JAZEERA