“A RIGHT TO DEFEND”: Iran Reaffirms Resistance via Regional Intermediaries
TEHRAN / ISLAMABAD — In a final diplomatic memo delivered through Pakistani and Omani intermediaries, Iran has officially informed the United States and Israel that it will “continue its legitimate defense” until its sovereign conditions are met. The message, confirmed by regional sources on Wednesday evening, March 25, 2026, serves as a formal seal on Tehran’s rejection of the Trump administration’s 15-point ceasefire plan.
The communication emphasizes that Iran does not view the current U.S. proposal as a basis for peace, but rather as an “illogical demand for surrender” while Iranian territory remains under fire.
The Intermediary Memo: Key Points
The message was reportedly relayed by Pakistani officials to Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff as they prepared for tomorrow’s scheduled summit in Islamabad.
Core Assertions from Tehran:
- Ongoing Defense: Iran maintains that its strikes—including today’s “80th wave” against regional targets—are a direct response to the “unprovoked aggression” launched on February 28.
- No Unilateral De-escalation: The memo explicitly states that Iran will not cease its “defensive operations” as long as U.S. and Israeli strikes continue to target Iranian infrastructure and leadership.
- Sovereignty over the Strait: Tehran reiterated that “full security in the Strait of Hormuz is contingent upon the total cessation of military aggression,” rejecting the U.S. demand for an immediate, unconditional reopening.
Suspicions of a “Diplomatic Trick”
Iranian officials told Egyptian and Turkish mediators that their suspicion of U.S. intentions has reached a breaking point.
Reasons for the Rejection (March 25, 2026):
- Troop Reinforcements: The deployment of 2,000 paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne Division and 5,000 Marines to the region this week is viewed by Tehran as proof that the 15-point plan is a “diversionary tactic” for a larger ground assault.
- The “Gaza Blueprint”: Citing Prime Minister Netanyahu’s reported plans for “Gaza-level destruction” in Lebanon, Iran expressed that negotiating with the current U.S.-Israeli axis is “futile.”
- The Vance Preference: Confirming previous reports, the memo noted that Iran prefers to engage with Vice President JD Vance, whom they view as less tethered to the “inner circle” envoys they have officially blacklisted.
The “Counter-Conditions” for Peace
Rather than a 30-day “tactical pause,” the regional intermediary conveyed that Iran is seeking a permanent settlement based on:
- War Reparations: Payment for damages to the Bushehr Nuclear Plant and Mehrabad Airport.
- End to Assassinations: A binding halt to the targeted killing of Iranian military and political officials.
- Full Sovereignty: Recognition of Iran’s right to manage its own territorial waters in the Persian Gulf without foreign naval interference.
What’s Next?
The delivery of this “defend at all costs” message puts the Thursday summit in Islamabad on the verge of collapse. With both sides now doubling down on their positions, the international community is bracing for the Friday, March 27 deadline. If the “tactical pause” expires without a breakthrough, the U.S. is expected to escalate to the “total infrastructure phase” of the war, potentially targeting Iran’s national power grid.