Iran says the preconditions for negotiations with the US are an end to hostilities and the lifting of the blockade. Trump says he is not in a hurry to resolve the conflict and will consider the red line for stopping the war while on the plane.
The situation remains tense after the ceasefire between the US and Iran, with disagreements over restarting negotiations becoming increasingly apparent. Iran has put forward multiple preconditions, firmly stating it will not participate in new talks until they are met; Trump says he is not in a hurry to resolve the conflict with Iran and claims he will consider the red lines for ending the war during his flight to China.
On Tuesday, Eastern US time, according to CCTV News, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Baghaei clearly stated that ending the conflict and lifting the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz are preconditions for any negotiations with the US, accusing the US of demanding Iran’s “complete surrender” rather than genuine dialogue.
Also on Tuesday, US media citing Iranian semi-official sources reported that the Iranian government, through a Pakistani mediator, informed the US: Iran will not participate in the next round of negotiations until five preconditions to build trust are implemented. The report noted that Iran believes the US's continued maritime blockade after the ceasefire has strengthened Iran’s perception that “negotiating with the US is unreliable.”
These tough statements have made the prospects for negotiations even more unpredictable. The window for restarting talks, therefore, faces further narrowing.
Iran lists five preconditions, calls blockade an act of war
According to US media citing Iranian semi-official outlets, Iran’s five preconditions include: ending hostilities on all fronts, especially in Lebanon; lifting sanctions on Iran; releasing frozen Iranian funds; compensating for war damages; and recognizing Iran’s sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian media mentioned that knowledgeable sources said these conditions were “set within a minimum framework to restore trust for returning to dialogue,” and that a new round of talks is impossible until these conditions are fully implemented.
According to CCTV News, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Baghaei also made a legal assessment of the Strait of Hormuz issue, pointing out that the responsibility for blocking the strait lies with the US, and under international law, maritime blockades constitute an act of war.
On the nuclear issue, according to US media, Iranian parliament member and National Security Committee spokesperson Ebrahim Rezaei said on social media that if Iran is attacked again, raising uranium enrichment to 90% purity—the level required for weapons-grade nuclear material—will be one of Iran’s options, and that parliament will review this matter.
Trump: Preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons is "just a matter of time"
According to CCTV News, on Tuesday, May 12 local time, Trump stated there was no urgency to resolve the conflict with Iran and claimed Iran is facing cut-off revenue sources. He is certain he can prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, “it's just a matter of time.”
US media reported that before leaving the White House on Tuesday, when asked about the red line for ending the Iran conflict, Trump gave no clear answer, saying only, “I’ll consider this on my long flight to Beijing.” He also claimed the US has achieved a “decisive military victory” over Iran.
Regarding the domestic economic situation in the US, US media reported that Trump made clear he “does not consider” Americans' financial circumstances when negotiating with Iran, emphasizing his only demand is that Iran must not possess nuclear weapons—“this is the most important thing so far, regardless of stock market fluctuations.”
US Defense Secretary: Ceasefire agreement remains valid—Trump can restart military action against Iran without Congressional authorization
According to CCTV News, US Defense Secretary Hegseth said on May 12 local time that despite recent tensions and exchanges of fire, the US-Iran ceasefire agreement remains valid. He also stated that the US has plans for all contingencies concerning Iran, including escalation, evacuation, and resource redeployment, but it is not convenient to disclose the next steps at this time.
US media reported that at a Congressional hearing this Tuesday, regarding the issue of Congressional authorization for action against Iran, Hegseth reiterated that Trump, as President, does not need Congressional approval to restart military action against Iran. He said if the President decides to restart military action, government agencies believe all necessary authorization is already granted under Article II of the Constitution, without seeking Congressional authorization to use military force.
According to reports, at the same hearing, US Acting Defense Department Auditor Jules Hurst revealed that US spending on the Iran conflict has risen to $29 billion. Media pointed out that Hegseth, in his testimony last month, reported war spending at $25 billion, but US officials familiar with internal estimates then said actual spending may be close to $50 billion.
UK increases troops in Hormuz, Israeli "Iron Dome" appears in UAE
According to CCTV News, the UK will provide support to multinational escort operations in the Strait of Hormuz. The British Ministry of Defense's statement says the deployment will include drones, “Typhoon” fighter jets, and the UK's “Dragon” destroyer.
According to Xinhua News Agency, US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee revealed at a conference at Tel Aviv University that Israel has deployed its “Iron Dome” air defense system and related personnel in the UAE. US Permanent Ambassador to the UN Waltz also confirmed this and said the “Iron Dome” system helped the UAE successfully intercept Iranian missiles during the recent conflict.
According to CBS News, US Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman General Dan Caine testified before the Senate Appropriations Committee, saying Iran still has the ability to disrupt shipping in the Strait of Hormuz via large numbers of small boats and other means. He urged Iran to “consider wisely its next steps” and seize the opportunity to open the strait for passage.
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