Dr Hakim Elahi said Iran would only return to negotiations if the blockade is removed and talks are based on Tehran’s 10-point proposal.
Dr Abdul Majid Hakim Elahi, representative of Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei in India. (Image: News18)
Dr Abdul Majid Hakim Elahi, representative of Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei in India, on Wednesday told News18 India that Tehran will engage in diplomatic talks with the United States only if Washington lifts its naval blockade on Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz.
In his first exclusive interview with News18 India after US President Donald Trump announced an extension of the ceasefire, Dr Hakim Elahi said Iran would only return to negotiations if the blockade is removed and talks are based on Tehran’s 10-point proposal.
He also said Iran is fully prepared for war, while claiming that the United States was “forced” to extend the ceasefire as it is not in a position to sustain a prolonged conflict.
Describing the conflict as “imposed on Iran,” he said changing conditions on the ground had compelled the opposing side to halt hostilities. According to him, the United States had earlier put forward a 15-point proposal, which Iran rejected, countering it with its own 10-point framework.
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Blockade A Pressure Tactic On Iran
“Initially, the US appeared to agree to our proposal, but later backtracked during negotiations and refused to honour its commitments,” he said.
Dr Hakim Elahi further alleged that Washington attempted to pressure Iran through naval deployments, but eventually realised that Tehran would not yield, leading to the extension of the ceasefire.
He questioned the US intent behind the talks, saying Washington appears to be engaging in dialogue only for appearances rather than pursuing genuine peace.
Tehran, he said, has made it clear that any future negotiations will be based solely on its 10-point proposal. He also reiterated that lifting the naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz remains a key precondition for meaningful dialogue.
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‘Iran Supports Peace, Not War’
Expressing deep mistrust of the United States, Dr Hakim Elahi cited past instances in which, he claimed, Washington walked away from negotiations and launched attacks on Iran. “We have no trust in them,” he noted.
He added that Iran participated in the talks to signal to the international community that it supports peace, not war. However, he accused the US of lacking seriousness in pursuing constructive negotiations.
“The US had no other option but to extend the ceasefire. Donald Trump is neither in a position to continue the war nor fully prepared for genuine negotiations,” he said.
Dr Hakim Elahi said Iran remains open to talks, but stressed that the next step depends entirely on the United States. “If war is imposed on Iran, the country is fully prepared to respond,” he added.
April 22, 2026, 23:30 IST
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