Iran Demands Compensation as Advisor Claims War Continues with US & Israel
Jakarta – A senior military advisor to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, Mohsen Rezaei, has stated that the conflict with the United States and Israel will continue until Iran receives full compensation for damages it has sustained. The assertion comes amidst ongoing tensions and a complex geopolitical landscape in the Middle East.
Speaking in a televised address on Monday, , Rezaei also vowed that Iran will continue fighting until “all economic sanctions are lifted, and legally binding international guarantees are obtained to prevent US interference in Iran.” This demand underscores the economic pressures Iran has faced and its desire for greater sovereignty.
“We see that our armed forces are carrying out operations and activities powerfully. Our leadership project, with the election of a new leader, has been under its control,” Rezaei said, according to reports. This statement suggests a degree of confidence within the Iranian leadership regarding its military capabilities and internal stability.
Rezaei claimed that “the war essentially ended” more than a week ago and that “the United States is ready to stop and seek a ceasefire.” However, he attributed continued hostilities to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, alleging he is “pushing to continue” the conflict. This framing positions Israel as the primary obstacle to de-escalation, a narrative likely intended to influence international perceptions.
According to Rezaei, after day 15, “the US clearly understood that there was no path to victory in this war.” This claim, if accurate, suggests a reassessment within the US administration regarding the feasibility of achieving its objectives through military means. However, independent verification of this assessment is currently unavailable.
The Chairman of the Iranian Parliament, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, echoed these sentiments in a post on X on Monday morning, stating that the Iranian people demand “commensurate and remorseful punishment” for “the aggressors.” This public expression of resolve from a high-ranking Iranian official reinforces the hardline stance articulated by Rezaei.
The statements from Rezaei and Ghalibaf approach as former US President Donald Trump has indicated that his administration is engaged in discussions with individuals within the Iranian regime to attempt to end the conflict. However, Trump stated he is not speaking directly with Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the Supreme Leader and to whom Rezaei serves as an advisor.
When pressed on who the US is communicating with in Iran, Trump reportedly said, “A very important person. Don’t forget: We have eliminated leadership in phase one, phase two, and most of phase three. But we are dealing with a man who I believe is the most respected and the leader, you know, it’s a little bit tricky, they have eliminated—we have eliminated everybody.” This comment alludes to previous US actions targeting Iranian officials and suggests a complex and indirect communication channel.
Trump identified his special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner as being involved in the talks, but did not disclose the identity of their Iranian counterparts. When specifically asked if the US was speaking with Khamenei, Trump responded, “No, not the Supreme Leader.”
Mohsen Rezaei’s background provides context to his current role and statements. According to available information, he is a veteran of the Iran-Iraq War and a senior figure within the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). He served as Commander of the IRGC from to , and later held the position of Vice President of Iran for Economic Affairs from to . He is currently a member of the Expediency Discernment Council, a key advisory body to the Supreme Leader.
The demand for compensation for damages is a significant element of Iran’s position. The extent of these damages and the specific form of compensation sought remain unclear. However, We see likely to include economic losses resulting from sanctions, as well as reparations for any physical damage caused by military actions. The insistence on legally binding guarantees to prevent future US interference reflects a deep-seated distrust of US intentions and a desire to safeguard Iran’s national interests.
The situation remains fluid and highly sensitive. The statements from Iranian officials underscore the potential for continued escalation, even as diplomatic efforts are reportedly underway. The involvement of multiple actors, including the US, Israel, and Iran, adds to the complexity of the situation. The international community will be closely monitoring developments in the region, seeking to prevent a wider conflict and promote a peaceful resolution.