How Iran Sets Conditions and Rules for the U.S. Ahead of Negotiations

According to news from Iran's Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), before entering negotiations with the United States, Iran conveyed its "red lines" through Pakistan as a mediator, clearly outlining the core conditions any agreement must meet. These include:

-- Iran's control and sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz;

-- Compensation for military damages incurred during the war;

-- Full unfreezing of frozen assets;

-- A comprehensive, lasting ceasefire across the entire Middle East.

The report emphasizes that Tehran insists all the above demands must be fully fulfilled prior to signing any final agreement.

Micro-commentary

First, Iran is setting terms with a victor’s posture toward the U.S.

By directly listing control over the Strait of Hormuz, military compensation, full asset unfreezing, and an end to attacks on Iran-aligned forces throughout the Middle East as prerequisites, Iran effectively requires the U.S. to make concessions and fulfill obligations first—before even discussing a deal. This reflects a clear stance of a winner, seeking to convert the factual advantages gained during previous military confrontations into binding political terms.

Second, the Strait of Hormuz has become a critical focal point.

Iran’s demand for “control and sovereignty” over the Strait fundamentally challenges America’s long-standing military hegemony in the region. It implies that, moving forward, all oil tankers and U.S. naval fleets passing through the strait will have to do so under Iran’s approval—directly undermining the foundation of U.S. energy and military strategy in the Middle East.

Third, demands for reparations and asset unfreezing are strategically long-term.

Military compensation serves as direct reparation for U.S. strikes on Iranian infrastructure; unfreezing assets means lifting core sanctions. Iran seeks tangible benefits, not just verbal promises.

Fourth, a regional-wide ceasefire ties Israel into the negotiation table.

By demanding a comprehensive ceasefire across the entire region, Iran effectively binds the U.S. and Israel together, forcing the U.S. to constrain Israel’s actions in Lebanon and Syria, thereby expanding Iran’s regional influence further.

In sum, this is not merely a "negotiation checklist"—it is Iran’s set of conditions and rules for ending hostilities and achieving reconciliation with the U.S., reflecting Iran’s belief that it holds the upper hand in this round of confrontation and refuses to make any strategic retreat.

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1862174537975884/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author(s) alone.