Top negotiator says Iran takes concessions with missiles, not talks

Mohammad-Mahdi Hosseini Hamedani, the Friday prayer leader of Karaj, said the Islamic Republic should not negotiate over its nuclear program, arguing that the issue was not included in the 10 conditions approved by Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei.

“In diplomacy, the same 10 conditions approved by Mojtaba Khamenei must be the basis,” Hosseini Hamedani said. “There is no reference to the nuclear issue in these conditions, therefore there should be no discussion about nuclear matters.”

He also defended Iran’s missile program, saying missiles were not only a defensive tool but also a foundation for security, reconstruction and development.

Hosseini Hamedani said parliament’s decisions should raise the cost of war for Iran’s enemies.

“The Strait of Hormuz is our instrument of power and should not be easily given up,” he said.

Israel’s military chief said every strike against Hezbollah was also a blow to the Islamic Republic’s regional axis and Tehran’s investment in the region.

According to a statement from the Israeli military, Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir made the remarks during a visit to Israeli army positions in the Shebaa Farms, inside Lebanon.

Zamir said the Israeli military remained at a high level of readiness for any possible development, including against the Islamic Republic.

He said no location would become a stronghold or safe zone for Hezbollah.

He added that Israeli forces would continue advancing into new areas if operational needs required it.

Zamir said the aim of Israel’s operations was to intensify pressure on Hezbollah, push threats farther away and strengthen the defense of communities in northern Israel.

He said more than 7,500 Hezbollah members had been killed since the start of the war, including 2,500 since the beginning of Operation Roaring Lion.

US War Secretary Pete Hegseth warned the Islamic Republic that it would face American forces if it did not accept the deal on the table.

Speaking Friday during a visit to US troops aboard the USS Boxer in Singapore, Hegseth referred to President Donald Trump’s remarks at a Cabinet meeting, where Trump said Tehran must either accept the proposed agreement or face military action.

The USS Boxer is a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship, a type of vessel designed to carry Marines, aircraft, vehicles and landing craft for ship-to-shore operations.

Ships in this class can support helicopter and landing craft movements, including the use of LCAC hovercraft, making them relevant to any contingency involving coastal or island operations, though Hegseth did not specify any operational plan.

IRGC-affiliated Tasnim News Agency cited an informed source as saying the text of a possible memorandum of understanding between Tehran and Washington has not yet been finalized.

The source said the text would be announced officially if it is completed.

Responding to reports in Western media about parts of the possible agreement, the source said the versions published so far were “lacking accuracy.”

The source also said the text of the possible memorandum between the United States and the Islamic Republic had changed several times in recent days.

Counter Terrorism Policing London said Ioannis Aidinidis, 46, who lives in Munich, Germany, was charged under section 3(2) of the National Security Act 2023.

Aidinidis was due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court later Friday.

Police said a 46-year-old man was arrested in West Sussex on May 16 by detectives from Counter Terrorism Policing London, with support from officers from Counter Terrorism Policing South East.

He was detained under section 27 of the National Security Act 2023 and taken to a London police station. Police said warrants for further detention were obtained from Westminster Magistrates’ Court, allowing him to remain in custody until May 30, before charges were authorized after liaison with the Crown Prosecution Service.

The Metropolitan Police said officers did not believe there was any wider threat to the public in relation to the case.

“We know this may cause concern for many people here in the UK, and particularly those working in Persian-language media,” Commander Helen Flanagan, head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, said.

She said police were continuing to work with organizations and individuals to provide safety and security advice, including the person and organization linked to the investigation.

Police said Counter Terrorism Policing continues to work with Persian-language media organizations and others in Britain over threats projected into the UK from Iran.

The case comes amid continued security concerns around Iran International and its staff in Britain.

In a separate case, three people were charged in April over an alleged attempted arson attack on premises linked to the broadcaster in northwest London. Police said that incident caused no damage or injuries.

Two Romanian men are also on trial in London over the 2024 stabbing of Iran International presenter Pouria Zeraati near his home in Wimbledon. British prosecutors have told the court the attack was ordered by a third party acting on behalf of the Iranian state. Tehran has denied involvement.