WANA (Apr 18) – The Secretariat of the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) has issued a comprehensive statement addressed to the “brave nation of Iran,” detailing the latest diplomatic developments, the status of ceasefire negotiations in Islamabad, and the new operational protocols for the Strait of Hormuz.

 

From the Battlefield to the Negotiating Table

The statement begins by invoking the “historic and unique resistance” of the Iranian people and Armed Forces. It notes that following the military failure of the aggressors, the United States began sending requests for a ceasefire starting on the tenth day of the war.

 

By the fortieth day, after the U.S. President officially accepted Iran’s “10-point plan” as the framework, negotiations commenced in Islamabad with the mediation of Pakistan. These talks lasted 21 consecutive hours, during which the Iranian delegation pursued the nation’s demands “amidst a peak of distrust toward America.”

 

Rejection of “Excessive Demands”

The Secretariat emphasized that although the enemy had agreed to the 10-point plan, they introduced “new and excessive demands” during the talks.

 

“The enemy realized that the Islamic Republic, backed by the power of the warriors and the vigilance of the people, would not retreat from its positions. Consequently, this stage of negotiations ended without a specific result, pending the moment the enemy amends its demands to match the realities of the field against a victorious and proud Iran.”

 

The statement confirmed that new American proposals have been delivered via the Commander of the Pakistan Army and are currently under review.

 

Ceasefire Conditions: The Lebanon Front

A pivotal element of the statement is the link between the Persian Gulf and other fronts. The Secretariat declared that a necessary precondition for any temporary ceasefire was the “cessation of fire on all fronts, including Lebanon.” Following Iran’s insistence and the subsequent ceasefire in Lebanon by the “Zionist regime,” Iran has agreed to a “conditional and restricted opening” of the Strait of Hormuz.

 

New Regulatory Framework for the Strait of Hormuz

The SNSC outlined strict protocols for the strategic waterway, citing the threat posed by the provisioning of U.S. military bases in the region. Until a “definitive peace” is achieved, the following rules apply:

 

  • Conditional Transit: The Strait is open temporarily and solely for commercial vessels.
  • Prohibitions: Passage is strictly denied to military vessels and non-military vessels of hostile countries.
  • Mandatory Authorization: All transit requires the control and permit of the Iranian Armed Forces through designated routes.
  • Service Fees: Passing vessels must provide full documentation, receive a “transit certificate” matching Iran’s wartime regulations, and pay fees for services related to security, safety, and environmental protection.

 

Warning Against Naval Blockades

The statement issued a stern warning to the United States: “As long as the enemy intends to disrupt movement or employ methods such as a naval blockade, the Islamic Republic will consider it a violation of the ceasefire and will prevent the conditional and limited opening of the Strait.”

 

Call for National Cohesion

Concluding with the recommendations of the Supreme Leader, the Secretariat stressed that “the presence of the brave people of Iran in the squares and streets” and the maintenance of national unity are essential to consolidate military achievements in the field of diplomacy and to honor the bloodshed in this “cowardly imposed war.”