Tehran:Iran has announced that it will not reopen the Strait of Hormuz or engage in negotiations until seven new conditions, presented through intermediaries, are fulfilled. This statement was made by Mohsen Rezaei, the secretary of the Supreme National Security Council.

According to Anadolu Agency – English, Rezaei emphasized that Iran is not interested in returning to past diplomatic approaches but is not abandoning diplomacy entirely. He stated that Iran is no longer interested in agreements that rely solely on political good faith. Rezaei expressed a preference for de-escalation, warning that prolonged conflict initiated by the US could inadvertently strengthen Iran, although this is not Tehran's intention.

Rezaei also issued a warning that if hostilities resume, Iran is prepared to use new capabilities to target US assets in the region, including cables and artificial intelligence facilities. He acknowledged the detrimental effects of a prolonged blockade on Iran, dismissing any claims to the contrary as unrealistic.

Furthermore, Rezaei disclosed that Iran has been targeting vessels belonging to smugglers, with five such incidents occurring each night over the past two to three months. The current tensions trace back to February 28, when the US and Israel launched a war against Iran. This led to Tehran's missile and drone attacks in the region and the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial passage for global energy supplies. Efforts to reach a peace deal between the US and Iran faltered after a memorandum of understanding signed in June collapsed over disagreements regarding navigation in the strait.