Iran ‘toughened’ conditions for ending war after US deal collapse: Guards spokesman– www.channelnewsasia.com

TEHRAN: Revolutionary Guards spokesman Hossein Mohebi said on Tuesday (Sep 22) that Iran had hardened its conditions for ending the war with the United States following the collapse of a June deal, adding Washington now had “no choice” but to accept its demands.

Iran had previously agreed with the United States to a memorandum of understanding laying out a pathway to a permanent settlement of the conflict, only for the deal to later unravel as each side accused the other of violating it.

“They broke the agreement and committed another vicious act. We have therefore toughened our conditions,” Mohebi told AFP in a rare exclusive interview in Tehran, noting that if the US persisted with its current course, “they will only make things difficult for themselves”.

“We are not their playthings, and they cannot unilaterally violate an agreement they signed whenever they please.”

During the interview, Mohebi outlined Iran’s view of the nearly seven-month Middle East war and the prospects for ending it as diplomatic efforts stall.

“We believe we have won this war, and we are currently consolidating that victory into a total deterrent force,” he added.

The June memorandum of understanding included Iranian demands on the lifting of US oil sanctions, removing its naval blockade on Iranian ports, unfreezing Iranian assets abroad, and ending the war on all fronts, including Lebanon.

Since it fell apart, however, Mohebi said Iran had toughened its demands, including by seeking the release of the full US$24 billion in frozen Iranian assets up front before negotiations, rather than in stages.