A senior advisor to Iran’s supreme leader has urged US President Donald Trump to make decisions independently of Israel, end the blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, and release Iran’s frozen assets. Mohsen Rezaei, a military advisor to Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, emphasized in an exclusive interview with CNN that negotiations between the two sides are at a standstill and it is essential for Trump to break this deadlock. Rezaei highlighted that the release of frozen Iranian assets is a crucial test for America if it seeks to reach an agreement with Iran.
Rezaei dismissed the possibility of a meeting between Trump and Khamenei, stating that it is unlikely to happen as negotiations are currently in the initial phase and Trump has halted progress. Trump expressed openness to a meeting with Khamenei if a peace deal is reached. Rezaei, a former chief commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, warned that Iran would escalate conflict beyond the Persian Gulf if Washington reignites hostilities.
After a ceasefire was implemented between Iran, the United States, and Israel on April 8 following 40 days of fighting, diplomatic efforts were initiated with Pakistan’s mediation to end the war. Both sides have exchanged proposed plans through Pakistan’s mediation and are in the process of finalizing a memorandum of understanding to bring an end to the conflict. Iran has tightened control over the Strait of Hormuz since February 28, restricting the passage of vessels linked to Israel and the United States in response to joint strikes on Iran.
Tensions persist around the Strait of Hormuz as Washington and Tehran have engaged in recent attacks, with the United States imposing a naval blockade on the strait, hindering ships traveling to and from Iranian ports from using the waterway.
