The maximum pressure approach in Iran's policy is increasingly being strengthened. Officials of the Islamic Republic are seeking to create changes in the political and military equations in the region by intensifying restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz and adding new conditions for ending the war.
New Conditions for Ending the War
Iran had previously announced that for the war to end, the opposing side must completely cease hostilities and refrain from further threats. Additionally, the Israeli army must withdraw from Lebanon, and $24 billion of Iran's frozen assets must be released. These new conditions clearly demonstrate Iran's firm stance in negotiations.
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Mohsen Rezaei, Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, recently announced new strategies in warfare and negotiation, stating that the establishment of a no-fly zone in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman is one of Iran's new tactics. Hossein Mohibi, spokesperson for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, has also added the "end of the siege of Yemen" to Iran's five conditions for ending the war.
Analysis of the Supporters of the Maximum Pressure Approach
Supporters of this approach among politicians and media figures close to the government believe that the United States will only come to the negotiating table if it incurs higher costs. Therefore, they believe that increasing tensions and pressure on the U.S. and its allies is a way to advance their objectives.
Individuals such as Saeed Jalili and Mahmoud Nabavian are serious advocates of this approach. Jalili has emphasized that if maximums are not reached, minimums will also not be achieved. He was also the only member of the Supreme National Security Council who did not vote in favor of the Iran-U.S. understanding.
This approach has received strong support in Iran's political landscape, and it seems that hardliners and opponents of negotiations with the U.S. are strengthening their positions. Given the views expressed by Iranian military and political officials, it appears that the likelihood of direct negotiations with the U.S. in the near future has diminished.
Analysts believe that the rise in energy prices globally and the proximity of the midterm elections in the U.S. are fueling this approach. In fact, these conditions could be seen as an opportunity for Iran to increase pressure on Washington.
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