Iran Sets Stiff Terms for War's End, Hints at Nuclear Doctrine Shift

Iran has reiterated its demand for "surrender terms" from the United States to end the current conflict, with a senior Iranian official suggesting a potential shift in the country's nuclear doctrine. Mohsen Rezai, Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, stated in an Al Jazeera interview that Tehran is prepared for a "decisive war" and that "Trump's threats will not yield results." He also indicated that Iran is not bound by its current nuclear doctrine, which publicly renounces nuclear weapons development, hinting at future possibilities depending on Washington's actions.

Rezai outlined Iran's conditions for ending the conflict, which include a cessation of hostilities on all fronts, the release of frozen Iranian assets, and the lifting of the U.S. oil embargo. While not explicitly mentioning the removal of all sanctions in the interview, he later tweeted about "seven conditions for the opening of any negotiation." Iran claims to be awaiting a response from President Trump, with Qatar reportedly relaying these terms to Washington.

The official also threatened a strong response to any U.S. attack, stating Iran would "strike American bases and Washington's interests in the region with great force." He claimed Iran recently tested an anti-ship missile near a U.S. aircraft carrier and warned that U.S. and Israeli actions could provide grounds for Iran to withdraw from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

The interview comes amid escalating tensions, including the Houthi takeover of the strategic Bab al-Mandab strait in Yemen, which Iran is accused of leveraging as a bargaining chip. The Houthis have launched attacks on Saudi Arabia, including targets in Riyadh and the Yanbu port, which Saudi Arabia uses as an alternative oil export route. These developments have raised concerns among Gulf states about Saudi Arabia's ability to manage the situation independently, with some believing it's another front in the U.S.-Iran conflict.

Despite the rising oil prices and their potential impact on upcoming U.S. midterm elections, President Trump has publicly maintained that the pursuit of a nuclear-free Iran is worth the cost. However, reports suggest he has privately acknowledged the war's negative influence on Republican electoral prospects and has become more receptive to polling data.