Iran has formally communicated a set of conditions to Washington through Qatari mediators for the cessation of hostilities, according to Mohsen Rezaei, the secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council. Rezaei stated in an exclusive interview with Al Jazeera that Tehran is awaiting a response from U.S. President Donald Trump regarding these terms.

The conditions put forth by Iran include a complete end to the war on all fronts, the release of its frozen financial assets, and the lifting of a naval blockade. Rezaei emphasized that accepting these conditions would be in Washington's best interest and dismissed the effectiveness of Trump's threats, asserting Iran's readiness for a "decisive war."

Mediators from Qatar and Pakistan have been actively involved in attempts to re-establish negotiations between the two nations. These efforts come after a memorandum of understanding between Iran and the U.S. expired last month. The ongoing conflict began in late February following U.S. and Israeli strikes against Iran, which resulted in the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Rezaei acknowledged the possibility of further U.S. strikes against Iran, describing it as "very much on the cards" based on Iran's military assessments. However, he reiterated Iran's preparedness to counter such actions. The country's military planning has reportedly been recalibrated since earlier conflict phases, now focusing on U.S. naval assets in strategic waterways, including the Gulf, the Gulf of Oman, and the Arabian Sea.

Iran recently conducted a test-fire of a multi-warhead anti-ship missile in proximity to a U.S. vessel or aircraft carrier. Rezaei indicated that the warheads are subject to ongoing development. He also warned that any future Iranian response would be severe, potentially targeting U.S. bases in the region, American commercial interests, and companies operating within Iran.

When questioned about the potential for an imminent end to the war, Rezaei described the situation as "in practical terms the war is still going on." He stressed, however, that Tehran is operating under a new strategy aimed at concluding the conflict as swiftly as possible. This approach is characterized as a "two-sided, twofold message" from Iran.

Regional countries are also reportedly seeking an end to the protracted war. The current phase of military engagements and diplomatic overtures signifies a critical juncture in the ongoing conflict between Iran and the U.S. and its ally Israel, with global implications for regional stability.

The situation remains tense, with Iran signaling its firm stance while also indicating a willingness to negotiate based on its stated conditions. The coming days are expected to reveal the U.S. administration's reaction to Iran's demands and the subsequent trajectory of the conflict.