Iran reiterates conditions for ending war with US as regional powers step up diplomacy

Iran has reasserted its conditions for ending hostilities with the United States, which include the removal of sanctions and lifting of a naval blockade on its ports in the Persian Gulf. These demands were reiterated by Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei during a meeting with national security chief Mohsen Rezaee, as reported by Reuters. The statement was posted on Telegram after the meeting, which aimed to address the ongoing conflict and the "neither war nor peace" situation.

Iran has traditionally insisted that the United States lift its sanctions before engaging in peace talks. The US, on the other hand, is pushing for Iran to make concessions on its nuclear program as a precondition for negotiations. The diplomatic efforts have been intensified by regional powers such as Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Pakistan, and China, who are working to avert another round of US-Israeli strikes against Iran.

In a bid to prevent further escalation, China has sent special envoys to the region to help stabilize the situation. Khamenei and Rezaee discussed safeguarding national and regional security by maintaining control over the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically vital waterway for global energy supplies. Tehran's insistence on controlling the strait contrasts with the United States' demand for freedom of passage.

The disagreements over the strait, along with tensions surrounding Iran's nuclear program, have hindered the progress of previous ceasefire agreements. Supreme Leader Khamenei, who has not been seen in public since the war began, was reported to be in good health by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. President Masoud Pezeshkian has also been actively involved in diplomatic engagements, including a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, where both leaders expressed hope for improved regional relations without US involvement.