Iran's Security Council: War Continues Unless Negotiation Conditions Met

TEHRAN, April 7 (AP) — Iran's Supreme National Security Council declared Tuesday that ongoing diplomatic negotiations do not constitute an end to the current conflict unless specific Iranian conditions are fully satisfied.

The statement, issued late Tuesday evening from Tehran, marked a sharp clarification of the country's stance as international talks continue. The council emphasized that military readiness remains a priority and that the cessation of hostilities is strictly contingent upon the fulfillment of their demands.

"Negotiations are not a synonym for peace," the council stated in its official release. "The war continues until our conditions are met." The declaration underscores Tehran's resolve to maintain its military posture while diplomatic channels remain open.

The council's position comes amid a complex geopolitical landscape where diplomatic efforts have intensified in recent weeks. While the exact nature of the demands was not detailed in the initial statement, the council indicated that previous proposals have fallen short of Iran's requirements. The statement served as a direct message to negotiating counterparts that the current trajectory of talks does not automatically lead to a resolution of the conflict.

Security officials in Tehran have maintained that the country's armed forces are prepared for all scenarios. The council's assertion that the war is ongoing suggests that military operations may continue alongside diplomatic overtures. This dual-track approach has been a consistent feature of Iran's strategy in recent months, balancing the threat of force with the possibility of a negotiated settlement.

International observers have noted the significance of the council's wording. By explicitly stating that negotiations do not signify the end of the war, the council has removed any ambiguity regarding the status of the conflict. The statement implies that any agreement reached must be comprehensive and address all of Iran's core grievances before hostilities can cease.

The timing of the announcement, released just before midnight local time, suggests a coordinated effort to set the tone for upcoming diplomatic sessions. Analysts believe the council is aiming to strengthen its negotiating position by demonstrating unwavering resolve.

As the situation develops, questions remain regarding the specific conditions the council has outlined. It is unclear whether these demands involve territorial concessions, economic sanctions relief, or security guarantees. The international community is now watching closely to see how other parties respond to this firm declaration.

The council's statement has added a new layer of complexity to the ongoing diplomatic efforts. While the door to negotiation remains open, the path to peace appears to be narrowing, contingent on meeting a set of demands that have not yet been fully disclosed. The coming days will be critical in determining whether the current diplomatic momentum can be sustained or if the conflict is poised to escalate further.