A senior Iranian official claims Iran has won its 'first' military victory in 47 years of Islamic Republic history, shifting Tehran's stance in peace talks with the US.
Mohsen Rezaei, a military adviser to Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, told CNN that the outcome has fundamentally altered Tehran's position in negotiations with the United States.
Rezaei presented Donald Trump with a 'test' by stating that releasing $24 billion in frozen Iranian funds would show Washington's readiness to pursue an agreement.
Iran is reportedly seeking the release of $12 billion in blocked funds once an interim pact is signed, and another $12 billion in a second phase.
Rezaei also stated that any renewed bombings would expand beyond the Persian Gulf, potentially spreading to the Indian Ocean, the Bab al-Mandab Strait, the Red Sea, and the Mediterranean Sea.
The senior adviser dismissed the possibility of a meeting between Trump and Mojtaba Khamenei, citing recent comments by the US president.
Iran and Oman should jointly manage the Strait of Hormuz, Rezaei claimed, and ships could be charged maintenance fees.
