Rezaei: We prefer diplomacy, but Hormuz will not open on Washington's conditions

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Secretary of the Iranian Supreme National Security Council, Mohsen Rezaei, warned that any action against Iran would have a cost, stressing that his country had the necessary tools to continue responding if the war continued.

Rezaei stressed in an interview with the Drop Site website today, Thursday, that Tehran will not give up the pressure cards it possesses before reaching an agreement that guarantees the implementation of its demands, explaining that Iran still prefers a diplomatic solution to end the war, but it will not accept agreements whose implementation depends on political goodwill alone, as he put it.

He also reiterated that the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the resumption of negotiations with the United States depend on the implementation of his country's 7 conditions that were put forward through mediators, according to what was reported by the Iranian news agency "IRNA."

In addition, he said, “Tehran reopened the strait and resumed navigation before the other party implemented its political and economic pledges,” which he considered a mistake that will not be repeated in any future understanding.

Rezaei also confirmed that Tehran had presented, through mediators, seven new conditions, stressing that it would not return to negotiations and would not reopen Hormuz before implementing these demands. He said that the difference this time is the inclusion of guarantees for the implementation of commitments within the agreement itself, instead of relying on political pledges that may not be fulfilled.

He pointed out that Iran has reached an understanding with the Sultanate of Oman regarding the establishment of a new sea corridor in the Strait of Hormuz, a large part of which will pass through waters under Iranian control. He added that the operation of this corridor is linked to the United States implementing Iranian conditions, then Tehran taking a decision to reopen the strait, provided that shipping movement resumes according to the arrangements agreed upon with Muscat.

He also stressed that the management of the Strait represents, from Tehran's point of view, a national wealth that goes beyond the issue of collecting fees, considering that the main issue is related to security, despite the possibility of imposing fees to cover the costs of security, insurance, and environmental protection. He stressed that his country will continue this approach, noting that the importance of managing the strait is greater than the financial returns it can achieve.

As for the military aspect, Rezaei said that his country is still capable of continuing its missile operations and drone attacks, claiming that these capabilities are not concentrated in one location and do not depend on a single production line.

He added that Iran has invested over the years in establishing underground facilities and developing capabilities to repair damage and replace equipment, considering that the assessment of Iranian military capability should not be limited to the number of remaining missiles, but rather should include the ability to continue production, deployment, and response. He pointed out that his country does not need to launch missiles with the same intensity every day to maintain its deterrent capacity. He added that the goal is to make the other party understand that any new attack will have consequences that could occur at a time and place that Iran chooses.

He also said that Tehran prefers diplomacy if it can end the war, but stressed that it has the necessary means to continue responding if the confrontation continues.

Regarding the possibility of targeting energy facilities in the region, Rezaei said that Iran does not adopt a policy based on attacking civilian energy infrastructure with the aim of harming the regional economy. But he warned that using these facilities directly to support military operations against it may change the way Iran deals with them within its strategic calculations.

He also added that Iranian oil facilities, ports, and shipping lanes cannot remain targets of attacks, while the economic structure of the parties that support these operations is supposed to remain immune, he said.

In addition, Rezaei called for security arrangements that exclude energy facilities, shipping lanes, and civilian infrastructure from war.

In response to a question about Iran's ability to withstand if the war continues until 2029, Rezaei said that prolonging the confrontation would impose significant costs on the United States as well, as well as global energy markets and weapons stockpiles of the participating countries.

But he acknowledged that the continuation of the blockade would lead to economic damage inside the country, including a decline in investments, increased pressure on families, and difficulties facing some economic sectors. He added that Tehran's goal is not to reach 2029 or prolong the war, but rather to end it under conditions that reduce the possibility of a new confrontation erupting.

He concluded by warning that betting on Iran running out of resilience within a short period may lead to wrong calculations.

These statements came amid American sources confirming that the administration of US President Donald Trump has developed a plan to potentially launch intensified strikes against Iran after the midterm congressional elections.

It also came with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu repeatedly affirming that his goal is to overthrow the Iranian regime, and not just destroy nuclear capabilities.