WANA (May 26) – The head of the Iranian Parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Committee warned that a potential diplomatic agreement will not signal the end of Tehran’s challenges with Washington, characterizing the conflict between the two nations as “existential.”

 

Speaking on the latest security and diplomatic developments, Ebrahim Azizi revealed that foreign surveillance drones continue to patrol Iran’s borders. He noted that operational encounters took place over the last 48 hours, including a “decisive confrontation” on Monday.

 

Azizi added that during a parliamentary briefing with General Abdollahi, commander of the Khatam al-Anbiya Headquarters, officials confirmed strict orders to intercept and neutralize any violating unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

 

“This demonstrates the peak readiness and strength of our armed forces,” Azizi said. “Any action that compromises our national security or interests will face a crushing, decisive, and regrettable response.”

 

“U.S. Forced into Ceasefire Talks”

Addressing the ongoing diplomatic track, Azizi claimed that Washington was forced to pivot toward negotiations after failing to achieve its military objectives. According to the lawmaker, the U.S. tabled its first proposal through Pakistani Army Chief Asim Munir as early as the second week of the war.

 

“The Americans wanted to wrap up this war in three days, but they were forced into an arena of ceasefires and negotiations. This means we are the definitive victors of this conflict,” Azizi stated.

 

He explained that after Iran reversed the battlefield dynamics, the U.S. initially presented a 15-point draft. Following extensive revisions, negotiations have now focused on a 14-point framework proposed by Iran.

 

Five Preconditions for an Agreement

Azizi emphasized that Iran’s approach remains rooted in a total lack of trust toward the United States. He outlined five mandatory, phased confidence-building measures that Washington must execute before any formal agreement can be recognized by parliament:

  1. A complete cessation of the war on all fronts, particularly in Lebanon, along with guarantees against its resumption.
  2. An end to maritime blockades and intercepted shipping.
  3. The implementation of Iranian arrangements regarding the Strait of Hormuz.
  4. The suspension of oil sanctions.
  5. The repatriation of Iran’s frozen financial assets.

 

“If these five confidence-building measures are implemented, we will enter a 30-day and 60-day operational window to address sanction details and other structural discussions,” Azizi explained. “Otherwise, no deal will take place.”

 

Concluding his remarks, the committee chief expressed skepticism about Washington’s long-term compliance, reiterating that the regional balance of power has fundamentally shifted.

 

“The Americans have no choice; they either have to perform on the battlefield—which 40 days of war showed they cannot do—or submit to the demands of the Iranian nation. However, even if a deal is reached, it does not mean the end of our challenges. This conflict is essential and existential. Iran after the Ramadan War is entirely different from the Iran before it.”

 

Red Lines and Future Steps

Azizi concluded by clarifying parliament’s red lines regarding the ongoing diplomatic process, regardless of whether it is labeled as talks, negotiations, or an agreement. He stressed that parliament considers it a duty to block any action that compromises Iran’s national interests, national security, territorial integrity, or the will of its people.

 

“Beyond the requirement for the Americans to undertake these confidence-building measures, tangible results must be witnessed in practice before any groundwork can be laid for future steps,” Azizi warned. “Otherwise, the Islamic Republic of Iran will under no circumstances compromise or engage in negotiations that undermine our national interests, national dignity, and the demands of the Iranian nation.”