US imposes aerial blockade on Iran after failed military efforts

Mohsen Rezaei: Mohsen Rezaei serves as Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, a position he assumed in mid-2026 after a long tenure as a senior Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commander. In this role, he has publicly articulated Iran's conditions for ending the conflict with the United States and criticized President Trump's ability to respond to those demands. Rezaei delivered these remarks during a meeting with Azerbaijani Deputy Prime Minister Shahin Mustafayev. United States: The United States under President Donald Trump has conducted military operations and imposed economic sanctions against Iran as part of efforts to achieve strategic objectives in the ongoing conflict. After failing to meet goals through direct military action, Washington shifted to restricting Iran's air links and aviation operations. This escalation reflects the administration's use of multifaceted pressure tactics amid stalled negotiations. Shahin Mustafayev: Shahin Mustafayev is the Deputy Prime Minister of Azerbaijan with oversight of economic cooperation and trade initiatives. He has engaged in recent bilateral discussions with Iranian officials focused on transport corridors, infrastructure projects, and expanding commercial ties. His meeting with Mohsen Rezaei highlights Azerbaijan's ongoing diplomatic engagement with Iran amid regional developments. US Sanctions Expansion: The United States has imposed sanctions targeting Iran's aviation sector and threatened secondary penalties on global providers offering fuel, landing services, or other support to Iranian airlines. Azerbaijan-Iran Engagement: Azerbaijan and Iran have advanced talks on economic cooperation, transport infrastructure, and trade projects through recent high-level meetings between officials. Iranian Diplomatic Conditions: Iran has communicated formal conditions to the United States via mediators including the release of frozen assets and an end to blockades as prerequisites for halting hostilities.