Mohsen Rezaei, a military advisor to Iran’s Supreme Leader, stated that the possibility of a peace agreement between the United States and Iran hinges on the Trump administration’s willingness to unfreeze $24 billion in Iranian assets.
In an interview with CNN, Rezaei noted that negotiations have reached an impasse, emphasizing that President Trump must take decisive action to move forward. He indicated that Iran demands the release of $12 billion immediately upon signing a temporary agreement, with the remaining funds to be released later. US officials have expressed concerns that unfreezing these assets at this stage could diminish Washington’s leverage over the Iranian government.
Furthermore, Trump has insisted that any new agreement must be significantly stricter than the 2015 nuclear deal. Rezaei explained that the request for unfreezing assets is viewed by Tehran as a test of trust between the two nations. He remarked, “If he (Trump) wants to reach an agreement with Iran, these $24 billion are a test of the trust that Iran wants to have in Trump. This is a test that America must pass, and then the path will be open.”
Rezaei also warned that Iran would extend its military operations beyond the Persian Gulf if the US reignites conflict, suggesting that hostilities could spread from the Strait of Hormuz to the Indian Ocean, Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, Red Sea, and Mediterranean Sea.
He dismissed the possibility of a face-to-face meeting between President Trump and Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, stating that such a meeting is unlikely as the negotiation process is still in its early stages and has been hindered by Trump’s actions.
“This will not happen. We are currently at the first stage of negotiations, and Mr. Trump has led them into a deadlock. This will not occur,” Rezaei said.
Recent developments include reports from Iranian media on June 1, suggesting that Tehran had suspended talks with the US in protest against Israeli actions in Lebanon. However, President Trump denied these reports, asserting that negotiations are ongoing. Additionally, it has been reported that the US and Iran have exchanged their most significant strikes since the ceasefire took effect in April. Trump has also indicated his willingness to meet with Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, if an agreement to end hostilities is reached.
Iran's military advisor has linked the potential for a peace agreement with the US to the unfreezing of $24 billion in Iranian assets. He warns that military operations could extend beyond the Persian Gulf if tensions escalate.