Iran Adviser Warns Trump: War Will Be Dragged Beyond Persian Gulf

TEHRAN. A senior military adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has called on U.S. President Donald Trump to make decisions independently of Israel, lift the blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, and release Iran’s frozen assets.

In an exclusive interview with CNN on Friday in Tehran, Mohsen Rezaei, adviser to Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, said negotiations between the two sides “are at a deadlock and Trump must break this deadlock.” Rezaei stated that the release of frozen Iranian assets “is a test that America must pass and the path will be opened” if Trump wants to reach an agreement with Iran.

Rezaei rejected the prospect of a potential meeting between Trump and Khamenei, saying, “This will not happen. Right now, we are in the first stage of negotiations, and Mr. Trump has brought the negotiations to a standstill.” Trump told reporters on Thursday that he would be open to meeting Khamenei if the two sides reach a peace deal.

Rezaei, former chief commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guard Corps, warned that Iran would “drag the war” beyond the Persian Gulf if Washington resumes the conflict.

Following a ceasefire that took effect on April 8 after 40 days of fighting between Iran, the United States, and Israel, Tehran and Washington initiated a diplomatic process with Pakistan’s mediation to end the war. The two sides have reportedly exchanged several proposed plans over the past few weeks outlining conditions for peace through Pakistan’s mediation and are working to finalize a memorandum of understanding to end the war.

Tensions have continued around the Strait of Hormuz. Iran tightened its grip on the strait from February 28, barring safe passage of vessels belonging to or affiliated with Israel and the United States following their joint strikes on Iran. The United States has also imposed a naval blockade on the strait, preventing ships traveling to and from Iranian ports from transiting the waterway. Both Washington and Tehran have carried out fresh attacks in recent days.