Iran: No Talks With US Unless Attacks on Gaza and Lebanon Stop

Iranian Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) Secretary Major General Mohsen Rezaei has said that any agreement with the United States would require an end to the ongoing wars and military operations on various fronts across West Asia. He particularly highlighted an end to the wars in Lebanon and Gaza and Israel’s withdrawal from occupied Lebanese territory as key conditions.

In an interview with Lebanon’s Al-Manar TV on Thursday (August 27) night, Mr. Rezaei said Tehran is closely monitoring the situation in Beirut and its southern suburb of Dahiyeh. Calling these areas Iran’s “red line,” he said no one has the right to advance there.

Explaining the conditions for a possible agreement with the United States, Mr. Rezaei said fighting on various fronts across West Asia must stop, particularly Israel’s military operations in Lebanon, and Israeli forces must withdraw from occupied Lebanese territory. He also called for an end to the war in Gaza. He said the security of the countries in the region is deeply interconnected.

According to Mr. Rezaei, West Asia is like a “chain”; continued tensions in one area affect other countries politically, economically and in terms of security. Therefore, he said, ending the war on one front alone would not resolve the problem.

Regarding the situation in Lebanon, he said Beirut and Dahiyeh are Iran’s red lines. He warned that if a new conflict breaks out, it will not be like previous wars and said Iran is prepared for any possible new situation. However, he also stressed that Iran does not want war.

Mr. Rezaei also made strong remarks about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He claimed that Netanyahu’s “major mistakes” have brought the collapse of the Israeli regime closer. He also said the anger building in the Muslim world could eventually turn into a real response.

Amid recent US pressure on Iran and regional conflicts, Tehran has also taken a firm position on reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Mr. Rezaei said Tehran has several conditions for reopening the strait, including an end to the wars in West Asia, the lifting of pressure and sanctions imposed on Iran, and compensation.

Mr. Rezaei further said Iran had taken necessary measures regarding maritime routes and oil exports during the ceasefire. However, he warned that the situation could become more difficult if US pressure and sanctions continue.

The Iranian official made the remarks as diplomatic efforts surrounding the Strait of Hormuz have intensified, with Qatar and Oman acting as mediators. Tehran has said that it would be difficult to create an atmosphere of trust without concrete steps from the United States.

Earlier, Mr. Rezaei also denied allegations that Iran had plotted to assassinate US President Donald Trump’s son, Barron Trump. In the same interview with Al-Manar, he described such reports as false.

Amid heightened tensions over the war in the Middle East, the security of the Strait of Hormuz and US sanctions, Mr. Rezaei’s latest remarks conveyed a firm message about Tehran’s conditions for talks and its possible military stance.

Sources: Mehr News Agency, Tasnim, Reuters