Mohsen Rezaei, Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, affirmed that the strategic Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until all conditions set by Tehran are met. During a meeting with China's Ambassador to Iran, Rezaei praised the constructive and
stable bilateral relations over decades, noting a strategic agreement expanding cooperation and shared membership in important frameworks like the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and BRICS, which offer significant future potential. Rezaei welcomed China's stance against an anti-Iran resolution at the UN Security
Council. He held the United States responsible for insecurity in the Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, and Gulf of Oman, accusing Washington of endangering the region by imposing an "illegal war." He stressed the Strait would not reopen unless the U.S.
changes its behavior. He called on Washington to end the war, release frozen Iranian funds, and cease conflicts across the wider region, including Lebanon and Gaza. Rezaei indicated that other conditions were conveyed to the American side via mediators. He also
clarified that any potential agreement with Oman regarding transit routes is entirely separate from the Strait's closure, emphasizing the independence of these two issues. Ambassador Zhong Biwu congratulated Rezaei on his appointment, reaffirming Beijing's unwavering support for Iran's national sovereignty and
territorial integrity, and highlighting their strategic partnership. The Chinese Ambassador stated his country opposes any potential U.S. or Israeli military attack on Iran, referring to President Xi Jinping's four-point initiative for peace in West Asia, and Beijing's desire to enhance
cooperation with Tehran within this framework. Biwu added that Iran possesses the strength and wisdom to manage current circumstances, welcoming stronger relations in West Asia and among Gulf states. In a subsequent post on the "X" platform, Rezaei reiterated his country's
clear message that the Strait will not reopen unless Washington ends the war and sanctions, releases frozen Iranian assets, and ends the war in the region, including Lebanon and Gaza. It is noteworthy that the appointment of former Islamic Revolutionary Guard
Corps commander, Mohsen Rezaei, as Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council – the body responsible for coordinating the country's security and foreign policy affairs – was announced Sunday evening, succeeding Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr.
