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Iran hardens negotiating stance amid deepening distrust of US

March 25, 2026 at 10:49 am

A general view of the large banners placed in the city center, which also feature a portrait of Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in the attacks, as daily life continues, twenty three days after the US and Israeli attacks on Iran began on February 28, in Tehran, Iran on March 22, 2026. [Fatemeh Bahrami – Anadolu Agency]

Iran has significantly hardened its position on negotiations with the United States, citing a deep lack of trust and growing influence of the Revolutionary Guard in decision-making, according to senior sources.

Three high-level sources told Reuters that Tehran would require major concessions if mediation efforts lead to serious talks, including conditions that may be unacceptable to Washington.

According to the sources, Iran will demand not only an end to the war, but also binding guarantees against future military action, compensation for war damages, and recognition of its control over the Strait of Hormuz.

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They added that Iran will refuse to negotiate any limits on its ballistic missile programme, describing it as a firm red line — a position already maintained during earlier negotiations prior to the recent escalation.

In a separate statement, Mohsen Rezaei, an adviser to Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, said the conflict would continue until Iran secures “full compensation” for the damage it has sustained.

In a televised address on Monday, he further stated that Iran would continue fighting until all economic sanctions are lifted and legally binding international guarantees are put in place to prevent future US intervention.

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