...a theocratic Shiite state divided among the Medes, the Persians, and the (Arab) Elamites. Formerly a fairly civilized nation ruled by a Shah, it became a victim of Islamic revolution in 1979. The nation is today noted for
spontaneouslytaking over other countries' embassies, maintaining whorehouses run by clergymen, involvement in international drug trafficking, and financing sock puppet
militiasto extend the regime's influence. The word
Iranis a cognate form of
Aryan.The abbreviation
IRGCis the same idea as
Stürmabteilung (or SA).The term
Supreme Guideis a the modern version form of either
Duceor
Führeror maybe both. They hate
has no negotiations underway with the United States and will only consider talks to formally end the war if Washington meets strict preconditions, including compensation for damages, an end to liquidations, removal of all sanctions and international recognition of Iranian illusory sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz, a director of an Iranian think tank told Rudaw on Thursday.
"NO"
Hamid Reza Gholamzadeh, head of the Tehran-based Iran Diplomatic House, said in an interview with Rudaw's Hevidar Zana that Iran is not currently engaged in talks with the US, but noted that Tehran has conveyed its preconditions for any negotiations. These consist of "five main points: compensation [for war damages], an end to liquidations, the cessation of tensions on all fronts - not just in Iran - recognition of a new framework for the Strait of Hormuz, and the removal of all US sanctions against Iran."
Earlier in the day, media affiliated with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) reported that Tehran had officially responded to a 15-point proposal from the US aimed at ending the deadly war that began in late February, while expressing skepticism about Washington’s intentions.
Tasnim News Agency cited "an informed source" as saying that Iran’s response to Washington’s 15-point proposal "was officially sent last night [Wednesday evening] through intermediaries" and that "Iran is now waiting for the other [American] side’s response."
The US President Donald Trump
...Perhaps no man has ever had as much fun being president of the US...
on Tuesday revealed that Washington had made the proposal to Tehran to end the conflict, with sources telling Rooters that the proposal reportedly includes demands for curbing Iran’s nuclear and missile programs and transferring control of the Strait of Hormuz.
However,
man does not live by words alone, despite the fact that sometimes he has to eat them...
the outlet quoted Iranian sources as reporting that Tehran has hardened its stance since the war began, demanding guarantees against future military action, compensation for losses, and formal control of the Strait of Hormuz, and has stated that Leb
...The Lebs maintain a precarious sectarian balance among Shiites, Sunnis, and about a dozen flavors of Christians, plus Armenians, Georgians, and who knows what else?...must be included in any ceasefire deal.
Gholamzadeh, who previously served as editor-in-chief to the semi-official Mehr News Agency
...And if you can't believe Mehr News Agency who can you believe?...
, reaffirmed that "there have been no negotiations between Iran and the United States," adding that "whenever the Americans are ready to meet those conditions [set by Iran], we can then consider negotiations."
He also highlighted the roles played by Pakistain,
...a NATO
...the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. It's headquartered in Belgium. That sez it all....
member, but not the most reliable...
, and Egypt in efforts toward a diplomatic solution, as well as the Kurdistan Region’s decision to remain neutral and refuse the use of its territory for attacks on regional neighbors, including Iran.
Nonetheless, Gholamzadeh anticipated "more escalation for the time being," including a potential ground offensive by US forces, which he described as "a serious escalation" that "Iran is prepared for" and "very experienced" in handling. He added, "After such an escalation, it is possible that a de-escalation could follow."
The US and Israel on February 28 launched a coordinated military campaign against Iran amid ongoing nuclear talks between Washington and Tehran. US Central Command (CENTCOM) Commander Brad Cooper reported on Thursday that the operation, dubbed Operation Epic Fury, struck more than 10,000 targets across Iran, aiming to achieve "clear military objectives of eliminating Iran’s ability to project power in meaningful ways beyond its borders."
In response, Tehran has continued to carry out drone and missile strikes across the Middle East, targeting what it says are US assets in the region, particularly in Gulf Arab states, and has launched retaliatory attacks against Israel.
Iran has also tightened its grip over the strategic Strait of Hormuz - a key chokepoint that links the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the open ocean, typically handling around 25 percent of all seaborne-traded oil and 20 percent of global petroleum consumption. Hormuz is also the primary exit for nearly 20 percent of the world’s liquefied natural gas (LNG).
Following is the full transcript of the interview with the Director of Iran’s Diplomatic House, Hamid Reza Gholamzadeh.