Iran has outlined a stringent set of conditions in response to renewed outreach from US President Donald Trump, making it clear that any move towards negotiations will come at a high cost.

According to reports, Tehran has conveyed that it is not ready to re-enter formal talks unless several key demands are addressed. These include the removal of US military presence from the Gulf region, compensation for damage caused during the conflict, and an end to Israeli operations targeting groups aligned with Iran.

A central issue in Iran’s position is the control and management of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil shipments. Iranian officials are said to be seeking a mechanism that would allow them to regulate transit and potentially impose charges on vessels passing through the corridor.

Sources indicate that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has gained significant influence in shaping the country’s negotiating stance, reinforcing a hardline approach in public messaging.

In addition to strategic and military demands, Iran has insisted on the complete removal of international sanctions as a prerequisite for any agreement aimed at ending hostilities.

Despite the firm tone, there are signs that Tehran may be open to limited concessions behind closed doors. Reports suggest it could consider pausing parts of its ballistic missile programme, reducing uranium enrichment levels, and allowing oversight by the International Atomic Energy Agency.

There are also indications that Iran might rethink its support for regional proxy groups as part of a broader diplomatic settlement, though such steps remain conditional and unconfirmed.

In a sharp remark reflecting ongoing tensions, Iranian military spokesperson Ebrahim Zolfaqari dismissed US statements on negotiations, suggesting Washington was effectively “talking to itself” amid internal divisions.

The mixed signals—public rigidity paired with possible flexibility—highlight the complexity of the situation. With both sides testing each other’s limits, the prospects for a ceasefire remain uncertain, while the implications continue to extend far beyond the immediate conflict zone.