Iranian security official Mohsen Rezaei said Iran would keep the Strait of Hormuz closed and reject talks with the United States until Washington implemented seven conditions, as mediators discussed proposals to end the fighting.
Rezaei spoke after meeting Putin and delivering the Supreme Leader’s message in Moscow on Thursday. Putin's office said the two met at the Kremlin. Iranian state media said Rezaei delivered a message from Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei to Putin.
Rezaei said they discussed a gas link that could help address Iran's shortages and give Russia access to nearby markets. He also said the conversation included regional security after the war between Iran and the United States.
Reuters identified several sticking points: the Strait’s future, the U.S. blockade on Iranian ports, sanctions and the prospect of restarting nuclear negotiations. A senior Iranian official said this week that Tehran and Washington remained far apart.