Iran has hardened its position in any potential talks to stop the war with the United States and Israel, demanding major concessions that are likely to clash with American and Israeli goals.
As reported by Reuters on March 24th, three senior sources in Tehran said Iran would seek four main conditions: an end to the war, guarantees against future military attacks, compensation for losses during the conflict, and formal control of the Strait of Hormuz. Iran would also refuse any limits on its ballistic missile program.
Iran’s Four Key Demands
- Guarantees against future U.S. or Israeli military action
- Compensation for wartime losses
- Formal control over the Strait of Hormuz
- No restrictions on its ballistic missile program
The war started last month when U.S. and Israeli strikes hit Iranian targets, killing former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. His son, Mojtaba Khamenei, was named the new supreme leader but has not appeared in public photos or videos since his appointment.
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Iran responded by firing ballistic missiles and disrupting shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway that carries about one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas. The disruption has pushed up global energy prices.
Mixed Signals on Talks
President Donald Trump said on Monday that the U.S. had held “very, very strong talks” with Iran and that progress was being made. Iran has denied any direct negotiations.
Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf stated there had been no talks with the United States. “No negotiations have been held with the US, and fake news is used to manipulate the financial and oil markets,” he wrote on X.
Sources said Iran had only held preliminary discussions with Pakistan, Turkey, and Egypt about whether the basis for talks with Washington existed. A Pakistani official indicated that direct talks could take place in Islamabad this week.
If so, Iran would send Qalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, though final decisions would rest with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which has gained more influence since the war began.
A European official confirmed that only indirect messages had been passed through several countries.
Doubts from Israel
Israeli officials said on Tuesday that any agreement looked unlikely. They believe the U.S. would demand an end to Iran’s nuclear activities and ballistic missile program, as well as secure navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran sees its missiles and the Strait as essential defenses and has said it will not surrender them.
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Domestic pressures inside Iran are also limiting its room to compromise. These include the stronger role of the Revolutionary Guards, uncertainty around the new supreme leader, and a public message of resilience during the fighting.
The Strait remains a big issue. Iran has warned it could mine sea lanes if attacked further, while Trump has threatened strikes on Iranian power plants if the waterway is not fully reopened without threats. He has delayed some planned actions while mediation continues.
Fighting has not stopped. Israel carried out new strikes on Tehran this week, and Iran has launched more missiles toward Israel. More than 2,000 people have been killed since the war began, according to regional reports.
Both sides show low trust. Iran points to past agreements followed by attacks, including strikes on Lebanon and Gaza after ceasefires. Israeli sources doubt Tehran will accept limits on programs it considers vital for its security.
Countries including Pakistan, Turkey, and Egypt continue mediation efforts. No date has been set for face-to-face U.S.-Iran meetings, and military operations continue on both sides.
