A high-ranking Iranian official has warned that nuclear negotiations with the United States are stalled over Iran’s demand for the release of $24 billion in frozen assets, and that any return to fighting could spark a much wider conflict.
Mohsen Rezaei, a military adviser to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, told CNN in an exclusive interview that the Trump administration must break the deadlock by unfreezing the funds.
“The negotiations are at a deadlock and (US President Donald) Trump must break this deadlock,” Rezaei said. “The ball is in Trump’s court.”
According to the official, Iran is seeking $12 billion immediately after signing an interim agreement and another $12 billion later. Rezaei described the release of the money — which he called Iran’s own funds — as a crucial “test of trust” that would open the door to better relations.
“If he (Trump) wants to reach an agreement with Iran, this $24 billion is a test of trust that Iran wants to have with Trump,” Rezaei explained. “This is our own money, not America’s money.”
Warnings of Escalation
Rezaei issued a strong warning against any resumption of hostilities. He said Iran would expand the conflict far beyond the Persian Gulf if attacked again, targeting U.S. interests across a much wider area.
“We will give another dimension to the war by attacking these other American bases,” he said, naming possible areas of operation that include the Indian Ocean, the Bab al-Mandab Strait, the Red Sea, and the Mediterranean Sea.
Despite the tough talk, Rezaei claimed the chance of war restarting is low.
No Trump-Khamenei Meeting
The adviser also ruled out a direct meeting between President Trump and Supreme Leader Khamenei in the near future.
“This will not happen,” Rezaei said. “Right now we are in the first stage of negotiations and Mr. Trump has brought the negotiations to a standstill.”
This statement contrasts with Trump’s recent comments that he and Khamenei “seem to be getting along well” and that he would be honored to meet him.
Rezaei declined to discuss Khamenei’s current health or his exact role in decision-making following injuries sustained in an Israeli strike that killed his father on the first day of the recent war.
Control of the Strait of Hormuz
Rezaei also reaffirmed Iran’s position on the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, through which about one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas flowed before the conflict. He said Iran and Oman share sovereignty over the waterway and that Iran plans to charge a “maintenance fee” for its management.
Background on Rezaei and the Conflict
Rezaei is a veteran of Iran’s security establishment. He fought in the Iran-Iraq War and served as commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) from 1981 to 1997. He later held senior positions, including on the Expediency Council and as a vice president.
During the 40-day U.S.-Israeli war against Iran that began in late February, Iranian forces struck targets across 12 countries in the region and even launched missiles toward the U.S.-UK base at Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean.
Rezaei described the conflict as Iran’s first victory in its 47-year history as an Islamic Republic.
“This is the first time Iran has emerged victorious in wars, while in previous wars Iran has always been defeated,” he said.
He expressed skepticism about any long-term nuclear deal with Trump, citing the president’s earlier withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear agreement. If talks collapse and the U.S. attempts an invasion, Rezaei said the world would see Iran’s true strength on land, which he claimed is far greater than its missile capabilities.
The coming weeks will test whether the two sides can move past the current deadlock over money and trust, or whether tensions will rise again in one of the world’s most dangerous regions.