Tehran sets condition for continuing negotiations with the US

Iran has set a key condition for continuing negotiations with the US, reports Al Jazeera.

Tehran insists on the lifting of the blockade of its ports before resuming talks.

Earlier, US President Donald Trump announced an indefinite extension of the ceasefire regime with Iran, emphasizing that it will remain in effect until the negotiation process is completed. According to him, the goal of this step is to give the parties more time for diplomatic resolution.

Iranian officials stated that they view the extension of the truce as an attempt by the US to buy time to prepare for a possible attack.

As a condition for returning to the negotiating table, Iran named the lifting of the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Advisor to the parliamentary speaker Mehdi Mohammadi called the US actions 'preparation for new aggression,' while Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that the blockade of ports is tantamount to an act of war and violates the terms of the truce.

Iran's Permanent Representative to the UN, Amir Saeed Iravani, noted that dialogue can only resume after the restrictions in this strategically important region are lifted.

Amid escalating rhetoric, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps declared that, in the event of renewed hostilities, Tehran is ready to deliver 'devastating strikes' to the enemy.

In Washington, meanwhile, officials stated their intention to continue applying pressure by maintaining the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, and emphasized that US armed forces have been placed on full alert.

At the moment, the prospects for negotiations remain uncertain, and tensions in the region continue to grow.

Source: Al Jazeera