👇 Important interview: Iran's national security chief Mohsen Rezaei spoke on state TV yesterday about the possibility of changing Iran's nuclear doctrine, the latest diplomatic exchanges with Washington following Vance's letter, and Tehran's demands for ending the war.

Seven key takeaways:

1. Nuclear doctrine is under debate, but no decision has been made. Rezaei acknowledged growing calls within Iran to reconsider its nuclear posture after the US-Israeli attacks on its nuclear facilities despite years of IAEA inspections. He confirmed that officials at the highest level are debating whether Iran should retain its existing doctrine if war resumes, and said parliament has begun preliminary work. But he stressed that no formal government decision has been taken.

2. Iran may reconsider its NPT membership. Rezaei insisted that any future nuclear negotiations must begin with "recognition of Iran's rights", not restrictions on its program. He also warned that continued membership in the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty cannot be taken for granted if another war occurs.

3. US-Iran diplomacy is progressing, but Tehran is sticking to its bottom lines. Rezaei described three successive US responses to Iran's demands, each more encouraging to it than the last. The latest from Vance signaled willingness to accept Iran's seven conditions per Rezaei, though he says unresolved questions remain. Tehran has sought further clarifications and is awaiting Washington's response.

4. Vance's letter marked a significant change in tone. Rezaei confirmed receiving and reading the vice president's letter but said he has not replied. He described its tone as completely different from Trump's earlier correspondence with Iran's leadership, while declining to disclose its contents.

5. Iran demands implementation before negotiations or reopening Hormuz. Rezaei rejected a return to what he said was Iran's "old diplomatic approach" of negotiating first and relying on promises. Washington must first implement Iran's seven conditions, which he said actually contain roughly 11 individual demands. These include an explicit Iranian management role in a jointly agreed maritime corridor with Oman.

6. Tehran wants a new regional security order. Discussing talks with Saudi, Turkish, and Pakistani officials in Tehran, Rezaei argued that no lasting regional security arrangement can succeed without Iran. He advocated a regional order shaped by the countries themselves rather than external powers, with further regional consultations planned.

7. Iran wants a settlement that deters the next war, not just ends this one. Rezaei argued that Washington must face tangible consequences for its attacks so that "renewed aggression becomes unthinkable". He emphasized Iran's military readiness and said wartime diplomacy is being directed through the Supreme National Security Council, integrating military, political, and economic considerations.