TEHRAN: Iran’s security chief Mohsen Rezaei has outlined new conditions for ending the war with the United States, saying Tehran has conveyed its demands to Washington through Qatari mediators.

In an interview with Arab media, Rezaei said Iran had gained considerably more combat experience compared with the first 40 days of the conflict and would respond with stronger and more painful attacks if the United States launched further strikes.

According to the Iranian security chief, Tehran’s conditions include an end to the war, respect for the sovereignty of both countries, non-interference in each other’s internal affairs, an end to the naval blockade against Iran, and the restoration of Iran’s frozen assets.

Meanwhile, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed until the United States fulfilled its obligations.

The latest Iranian demands come after a memorandum of understanding reached between the two sides in June, which included an end to hostilities on all fronts, a framework for at least $300 billion in US- and regional-backed reconstruction and economic development projects for Iran, easing restrictions on Iranian oil exports, and no further deployment of US forces in the region.

Rezaei did not include war reparations among the latest demands. However, speaking about Iran’s nuclear programme, he said Tehran had so far maintained its position against developing nuclear weapons, but circumstances could change in the future.

The Iranian security chief also denied direct Iranian involvement in the war in Yemen, saying Tehran could help mediate peace between Yemen and Saudi Arabia. He also ruled out the possibility of Iran closing the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

The United States has yet to issue an official response to Iran’s latest conditions. US authorities have meanwhile advised American citizens in several countries across the region to exercise caution because of the prevailing security situation.

The Iranian announcement comes as tensions between Tehran and Washington remain high over the Strait of Hormuz, US military presence in the region and Iran’s nuclear programme.