Key Remarks by m Hussain Baqeri , Director of the Iqbal forum , on Iran-U.S. Tensions and Regional Developments in an Interview with Sono TV

Collapse of the Agreements and Deadlock in Negotiations with the United States

End of the Draft Memorandum

According to this account, the draft memorandum brokered by Pakistan and Qatar and signed by Donald Trump, Masoud Pezeshkian, and Shehbaz Sharif is no longer considered valid.

Repeated Breaches by Washington

The account alleges that the United States resumed threatening Iran immediately after the agreement was signed. It states that although Iran demonstrated goodwill by allowing more than 75 vessels to pass safely through the Strait of Hormuz, the U.S. violated the understanding by establishing a new maritime corridor in Oman and deploying naval warships there.

Deep Distrust

According to this account, Iran will never permanently close the door to negotiations, but it will no longer negotiate with a government that does not honor its commitments or signed agreements.

“Padar-Koshtegi”: Enduring Enmity and the Demand for Retribution

Retribution as a Public Demand

The statement explains that the Persian term Padar-Koshtegi refers to an enduring feud following the killing of a family’s head. It argues that the alleged assassination of Iran’s leader on Iranian soil is not an issue that can be resolved through compromise and claims that the demand for retribution extends beyond the government and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to the broader Iranian public.

Historical Retribution

The account further claims that Shi’a communities have historically sought justice for their leaders across generations, and that this desire for retribution will persist indefinitely.

The Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab as Strategic Deterrents

Control of the Strait of Hormuz

According to this account, the Strait of Hormuz represents Iran’s most important strategic deterrent, and maintaining control over it is considered essential under all circumstances.

The India–Middle East–Europe Corridor (IMEC)

The account argues that as long as the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab al-Mandab remain under the influence of Iran and its aligned forces, including Ansar Allah, the IMEC project cannot succeed.

Global Energy Crisis and $200 Oil

It further claims that the simultaneous closure of these two strategic waterways would halt roughly one-quarter of global oil shipments and could drive oil prices to around $200 per barrel, causing severe disruption to the global economy.

U.S. Strikes on Iran and the Prospect of Full-Scale War

Assessment of the Recent Strikes

According to this account, the United States struck approximately 170 locations along Iran’s southern belt, resulting in 35 fatalities and around 250 injuries.

Military Infrastructure Targeted

The account alleges that key transportation bridges and military headquarters belonging to the Iranian Army and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps were among the targets.

Prelude to a Larger War

It argues that the strikes were intended to degrade Iran’s defensive capabilities, test its military response, and disrupt its overland supply routes to China and Russia, suggesting that they may be a precursor to a broader conflict.

Resistance to Sanctions and Trump’s Threats

“We Would Rather Endure Hardship Than Surrender Our Land”

According to this account, threats attributed to Donald Trump to strike Iran’s power plants and bridges would not force Iran into negotiations, as the country has endured eight years of war and decades of sanctions.

Limited Impact of New Sanctions

The account describes recent U.S. Treasury sanctions targeting companies allegedly linked to the sons of Ali Shamkhani as repetitive and ineffective, arguing that Iran has adapted to operating under sanctions. It cites free public transportation in Tehran as an example of domestic resilience.

Strategic Partnership with Yemen’s Ansar Allah

Reason for the Saudi Strike on Sana’a Airport

According to this account, Saudi Arabia struck Sana’a Airport out of concern that, in the event of a ground offensive against Iran, Ansar Allah could target Saudi oil facilities and disrupt shipping through the Bab al-Mandab Strait.

Ansar Allah’s Military Capabilities

The account claims that, with Iranian missile and drone technology, Ansar Allah has developed into a significant military force capable of severely disrupting maritime traffic through the Bab al-Mandab.

Rumors Alleging Mahmoud Ahmadinejad Spied for Mossad

A “Hollywood-Style Scenario”

According to this account, allegations linking former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to Mossad are entirely false. It argues that Ahmadinejad is a staunch opponent of Israel and that these allegations are part of a broader media campaign against Iran. It also cites his continued participation in meetings of Iran’s Expediency Discernment Council as evidence against those claims.