Iranian First VP Aref reveals Tehran's conditions for agreement with US

If Washington follows the "Israel First" principle, Iran will not be able to reach an agreement with the United States, Iranian First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref wrote on X, Report informs.

"If we negotiate in Islamabad with representatives of 'America First,' an agreement beneficial to both sides and the world is probable. However, if we face representatives of 'Israel First,' there will be no deal; we will inevitably continue our defense even more vigorously than before, and the world will face greater costs," reads the post.

On February 28, the United States and Israel launched military operations against Iran. As a result, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several senior officials were killed. Following this, Iran began striking targets not only in Israel but also in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Bahrain, Iraq, and Cyprus.

On April 8, Iran and the US agreed to a two‑week ceasefire. Negotiations in Islamabad are set to begin at 17:00 local time (GMT+5).

Key issues on the agenda include halting military operations, sanctions policy, and control over strategic communications in the region. Tehran insists talks begin only with a ceasefire in Lebanon and partial sanctions relief, while Washington ties easing restrictions to concessions on Iran's nuclear and missile programs.

The two sides also differ on the status of the Strait of Hormuz: Iran demands de facto control and transit fees, while the US insists it remain fully open to international shipping.

Additionally, Tehran is raising the release of frozen assets, compensation for conflict damages, and the withdrawal of US forces from the Middle East.

The Trump administration maintains that military presence will continue until a comprehensive agreement is reached and warns of possible escalation if talks fail.