Khamenei's Military Adviser Mohsen Rezaei Says Iran Has Legal Hormuz Control Rights | NewsX World

Añadido: 2026-05-25

[00:00:05]Hello and welcome. I'm Thomas Porteous and you're here watching the world report on News X World. Let's take a look at some of the top headlines leading this hour.

[00:00:17]President Trump writes on Truth Social that negotiations with Iran are proceeding in an orderly and constructive manner, but that he has instructed his team not to rush into a deal, [music] insisting time is on Washington's side.

[00:00:33]The US blockade on Iranian ports, he adds, will remain firmly in place [music] until a final agreement is secured.

[00:00:45]As the framework continues to take shape, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin [music] Netanyahu tells Trump that Israel will retain full freedom >> [music] >> to act against threats in all arenas, including in Lebanon.

[00:00:58]>> [music] >> The US president is said to have reiterated his support for that principle.

[00:01:08]Yet Iran's foreign ministry strikes a measured tone, acknowledging steps towards rapprochement while warning that fundamental disagreements between the two sides [music] remain. Mediators say the emerging framework could include a 60-day ceasefire extension alongside the gradual [music] lifting of restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz.

[00:01:34]Turning to Europe, Russia launches one of its [music] largest aerial assaults of the war with hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles, including the [music] Orshnik hypersonic weapon, striking Kyiv and beyond. Four are killed [music] in the capital and its surroundings with 83 wounded nationwide.

[00:01:56]Further east, Chinese officials lower the confirmed death toll from Friday's gas [music] explosion at the Lushan coal mine in Shandong province to 82, [music] down from an initial count of 90. Even revised, the figure makes it the nation's deadliest mining disaster in 17 years.

[00:02:23]Back in Washington, a government opens [music] fire on Secret Service officers in the vicinity of the White House, triggering an immediate lockdown and [music] a swift law enforcement response. President Trump describes the suspect as having a violent history and possible obsession.

[00:02:46]Also in [music] the Middle East, a Bahraini court hands down life sentences [music] to nine individuals convicted of working with Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps to carry out what the judiciary terms [music] terrorist acts against the kingdom. The defendants were found to have [music] gathered intelligence on sensitive installations and arranged related financial transfers.

[00:03:14]And finally, a bomb tears through a shuttle train transporting [music] military personnel and their families through Balochistan in southwestern Pakistan, [music] leaving at least 24 dead and seven 70 wounded. Separatist [music] militants have claimed responsibility for the attack, the latest in an ongoing campaign of violence across the province.

[00:03:42]Those are your top stories for the hour.

[00:03:44]We turn first to India, where the External Affairs Minister S.

[00:03:49]Jaishankar and the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held discussions focused on strengthening the US-India strategic partnership and expanding cooperation across key sectors. The talks covered regional security, economic engagement, technology collaboration, and ongoing geopolitical developments. Both sides reaffirmed the importance of closer coordination between New Delhi and Washington amid evolving global challenges. The conversation also highlighted growing defense cooperation and shared interests in maintaining stability across the Indo-Pacific region. The engagement reflects continuing diplomatic momentum between India and the US as both countries deepen ties in trade, security, and emerging technologies while working together on regional and global issues. Let's take a listen into some statements.

[00:04:44]Ordinarily proud of our country and of its history.

[00:04:47]By the same token, we're also proud because we know that so much of what we've achieved in our history has been built in partnership with other countries around the world with which we share so much.

[00:04:57]And one of those relationships that I'm so excited about going into the 21st century, given the challenges and the opportunities of this new era, is India.

[00:05:08]It's one of those countries that I know that we have this very valuable strategic partnership with.

[00:05:13]And we share so many values and so many common interests.

[00:05:16]And so, obviously, I try to get around the world. I will try to go to other celebrations of our 250th birthday in different parts of the world, although I doubt any will have a production like this one.

[00:05:27]But, I want you to know that part of my visit here is also to reinforce how important this relationship is, how exciting it is, and how many opportunities we have to do things together. And if I think about all of the key issues and all of the key opportunities of the modern economy, India and the United States together are perfectly positioned.

[00:05:47]Are perfectly positioned to work together on these issues to achieve a better life for the people of the United States, for the people of India, and frankly, for the people of other countries working together as well.

[00:05:57]And so, as much as anything else, this visit is about reinforcing that, and of course, celebrating 250 years as a nation. And I want to thank every single one of you how special it is that you would share it with us here this evening.

[00:06:08]Our two countries approach the world with certain common attributes.

[00:06:14]We are both political democracies.

[00:06:17]We are market economies, and we are open societies.

[00:06:22]These shared traits have in recent times been strengthened by a convergence of national interests.

[00:06:32]And that is precisely what has enabled us to overcome the hesitations of history.

[00:06:40]Our strategic partnership is expressed now in a very wide range of activities.

[00:06:47]They span trade and investment, defense and security, critical and emerging technologies, semiconductors, AI, energy, and space, to education, to health, and to culture.

[00:07:03]Our robust linkages grow as each side adds value and expands opportunities for the other.

[00:07:13]In Joining us now is Peter Cardillo. He's a chief economist at Spartan Capital. He joins us live from New York. Peter, thank you very much for joining us here on the broadcast.

[00:07:25]Um so, Secretary of State Marco Rubio in New Delhi today as both sides work towards finalizing the broader bilateral trade agreement. The interim uh framework um struck in February set a reciprocal tariff of 18% on Indian goods. From Wall Street's perspective, how significant is that number and does the market see the full BTA as a realistic near-term outcome?

[00:07:56]Well, you know, how realistic a trade deal a final trade deal I should I should say is on its way. I think the Wall Street expects that and certainly we expect that.

[00:08:09]You know, 18% uh that that's a little bit on the high side. So, I think those uh um that I think that that number will eventually come down. And that means that eventually there will be a trade deal between uh between the United States and India.

[00:08:32]I also think that you know, there's a lot of Apologies, Peter. We can't hear you very well. Let me just get that adjusted. Um of course, we are continuing to cover the ongoing meet meeting between Marco Rubio and his Indian counterparts. Peter, hopefully we can hear you now.

[00:08:53]Um Okay. Let's uh >> I I I can hear you. Okay, brilliant. Um can can we just briefly talk about the Russian oil? Um but the the central condition of this February framework was that India was supposed to agree to stop purchasing this Russian oil. Jaishankar acknowledged that the US has become a reliable energy source for India. How does that energy realignment factor into your economic read on this partnership? And what are the risks if India can't fully deliver on that commitment?

[00:09:27]Well, I think you know, now that the war between Iran and the United States seems to be winding down, I think now we get back to some serious negotiations on trade with India and the fact that they have had dealings and have made a pact with Russia. I think that that probably will likely to remain intact but also I think it'll it's basically be a bargaining tool for India with the United States. So that simply means that you know they're 18% set tariffs that they're paying now will probably be negotiated down to maybe 10 or just under 10%.

[00:10:15]The reception between between the Secretary of State Rubio and the Indian Finance Minister obviously was well taken and it it's it's quite important to realize that trade deals need to be made and concluded and I think that uh the field is wide open for that to happen now because the deterrent here was you know the Venezuelan situation the Iranian situation well now that uh it seems to be that uh those two particular deterrents have now are now coming to an end that that gives a lot of wiggling room for uh the trade negotiations to seriously come to a conclusion and I think the relationship with India and the United States remains one of a friendly relationship and that uh agreements can be achieved.

[00:11:34]Peter, do stay with us. We now move on to a related development coming out of the same meeting. And speaking in New Delhi, the US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gaul, um appreciated the US-India economic partnership and talked about India joining the US- led Pax Silica initiative. The declaration was signed during the India AI Impact Summit in February of this year. The primary objective is clear, build resilient, trusted supply chains to counter Chinese dominance in hardware and rare earth markets. Pax Silica is a United States-led international initiative designed to build secure, resilient, and trusted global supply chains for foundational technologies, particularly artificial intelligence and semiconductors.

[00:12:26]Launched in December of 2025, the coalition aims to reduce reliance on single-country monopolies and prevent economic coercion. Let's take a listen into what Sergio Gaul, Ambassador to India, has said on the matter.

[00:12:42]This is the foundation of a new era, one where actively delivering on the promise of our cooperation and building a future of tangible achievements. Since I arrived in New Delhi just 5 months ago, we have announced an interim trade deal that hopefully in the next few weeks will get signed. India has been invited, accepted, and joined Pax Silica, and commercial diplomacy is at record high levels. I am specifically proud that every embassy competes to bring investment into the United States, and our embassy in India came in number one in the world with 20 and a half billion dollars of new investments into the United States.

[00:13:25]Tonight is not only about celebrating history. It is about looking ahead to a new era of shared success driven by the extraordinary momentum in the US India partnership.

[00:13:38]Since I've arrived here, I've been honored to advocate for a shared future, ensuring that top decision-makers in Washington recognize the US the US India relationship. As you know, we have a direct line to everybody in the administration, but especially to our president. That is the partnership that opens markets, drives innovation, and creates high-quality jobs for both Americans and Indians.

[00:14:05]Peter, um Pact Silicon now has uh 11 signatories.

[00:14:11]Um from a capital markets standpoint, does the formation of a US-aligned silicon supply chain block move the needle for investors, or is this um still too early to price in?

[00:14:25]Yes, I do. I believe that that's going to that's the case, you know, and if you heard uh well, we just heard what the ambassador of the United States to India said, and he was quite optimistic. And I share that optimistic view because uh India, you know, is has been and uh and will continue to be a uh will continue to have a good relationship with the United States. And of course, you know, um they need the United States like we need India like we need India's um um trade agreement. And so, uh I I think that uh yes, uh I agree that uh uh a finalization of the trade agreement is in the works.

[00:15:12]Um and as I said before, I think now, uh you know, the United States can uh get back to uh negotiating and uh and be successful uh in terms of of an Indian US trade agreement.

[00:15:30]Peter Cardillo, thank you so much as always. It's a great pleasure to speak to you here on News X World.

[00:15:36]We now turn to some developments coming out of the Middle East and Iran has issued a strong message on its strategic control of the Strait of Hormuz even as diplomatic efforts continue over its nuclear program and its regional security.

[00:15:51]Mohsen Rezaei, a senior military advisor to Iran's supreme leader, said Tehran's management of the Strait of Hormuz was a legal right and necessary for national security.

[00:16:03]Rezaei also claimed that Iranian control of the critical waterway would end decades of insecurity in the Persian Gulf.

[00:16:11]The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world's most important energy choke points with a large share of global oil shipments passing through the route.

[00:16:21]Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Iran was ready to reassure the international community that it is does not seek nuclear weapons.

[00:16:32]However, the Iranian president also accused Israel of driving regional instability in the Middle East and warned that Iranian negotiators would not compromise on the country's dignity or national honor. The comments come amid intensifying regional tensions and continuing diplomatic contacts between Iran and Western powers over security and nuclear issues. Let's take a listen in to Mohsen Rezaei, the military advisor to the supreme leader.

[00:17:18]Come come less >> Joining us now is Mohammad Ali Abu-shbak.

[00:18:18]He joins us live from Cairo. He is a Middle East researcher. Thank you very much for joining us, Ali. Um one of uh the supreme leader's uh closest aids there, um Mohsen Rezaie, framing the Iranian management of the Strait of Hormuz as a legal right and claims it would end 50 years of insecurity in the Gulf. How do you read that language? And is this a legitimate sovereign argument?

[00:18:49]Uh thank you, Thomas, for having me. Uh things is uh Iran is stressed on two points in this negotiation and it's considered as a one of significant right. First of all, uh relieve that American sanction against Iran, specially after this war that uh the Iranian economy deeply impacted and collapsed. Secondary, it's uh the of Hormuz.

[00:19:14]Uh especially during this phase of conflict, Iran got realized this is how much is a strategic card for Iran and for the safety of Iran. It's Iran using it as a guaranteed in case there is you in case any kind of resuming of the war against it.

[00:19:31]So, it will use it again and will disrupt that all the international uh commerce and the global commerce like what we have like what we are witnessing now. So, this kind of demand from Iran, it's like uh in my opinion for Iranian people they consider it as a legitimate and it's a demand a public demand. Most of the Iranian civilians, they consider it as a a strategic tool strategic tool for them to pressurize USA and all and and Israel to hold the war and stop the war. And uh I mean to control the the global trade and also well as to ask for relief of the sanction against Iran.

[00:20:19]Arab area, they consider it as a illegitimate and they consider it as a violation for the water the international water law and they consider it as a violation for their sovereignty also the freedom of trade which I guess Saudi Arabia and UAE also Bahrain, they will they will reject such kind of idea and they will stress and they will pressurize Donald Trump to make any kind of solution. Iran in this two points is not going to make any concession for Donald Trump and we have witnessed today the news about the the program the nuclear program and the enrichment. Iran it's ready to to make any to make to to any of uh uh uh to make any things.

[00:21:10]Uh and many uh uh So, in this point, so Iran is not is not is not going to make any I mean it's not going to to give in uh Donald Trump demand and term for this kind of uh two points. But, for another things, Iran is ready to make any concession.

[00:21:30]And uh I mean to to find out any kind of solution with regard but also it's a proxy in the region also Iran. Now, we are witnessing Iran is only in media.

[00:21:41]>> Okay, Alireza, I'm so so sorry to cut you off. We are on a time constraint. Do stay with us as we turn over to our next story. We head to Lebanon where high-stakes political friction is boiling over in Beirut as Lebanon prepares for a critical fourth round of direct talks with Israel in Washington next month. In a fiery televised address Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem strongly urged Lebanese authorities to immediately abandon direct negotiations with Israel calling them completely unacceptable and a pure gain for Tel Aviv. Qassem warned the Lebanese government not to concede to Washington or stab the resistance in the back.

[00:22:24]Crucially, he flatly rejected any domestic demands for Hezbollah's disarmament and a state monopoly on weapons declaring that stripping the group of its arms would amount to the annihilation of Lebanon.

[00:22:37]Despite his aggressive stance on disarmament, Qassem expressed explicit hope for the broader Pakistani-mediated peace deal currently being negotiated between Washington and Tehran.

[00:22:50]Acknowledging signs that a US Iran memorandum of understanding is nearing completion the Hezbollah chief stated he expects Lebanon to be included in its terms to secure a full cessation of hostilities across the region.

[00:23:07]Ali M. Abu Shbak joins us once again.

[00:23:10]So, we have a another round of talks coming up next month, direct talks between Israel and Lebanon.

[00:23:18]Um however, uh people continue to be killed inside the south of Lebanon in particular. Um Ali, I just want to get your reading on how this conflict is going right now, especially um leading into that fifth round of of negotiations where we see ceasefires announced, but ceasefires in name only.

[00:23:40]As you mentioned, yeah, this is a good description for the ceasefire, and it's not only fragile, it's a it's a name only, and there is no any kind of commitment for this ceasefire from both of side, Israel and Hezbollah. Uh Hezbollah consider this also delegate this negotiation with Israel it's illegal, and also it's considered illegal according to uh Lebanese uh constitution in in 90 in 50s.

[00:24:12]So, they consider it as any direct talk and any kind of normalization relation with Israel it's illegal with according to the constitution. So, that's it.

[00:24:22]Hezbollah consider such kind of uh negotiation with Israel it's meaningless. Simultaneously, Benjamin Netanyahu he consider the invading the ground on in in in Lebanon. So, it's his right, and Israel is not acting with a ceasefire as a as a commitment. We have seen in multiple in multi of occasion that Israel is continuously violating the ceasefire wherever, not only in in Lebanon or in Gaza, even in Syria and wherever. So, this is the significant point. There is no any kind of understanding between both of them. And who's the casualties is the civilians from Lebanon. And the Israelis continuous bombarding a Lebanese area under the pledge of Hezbollah using this area for their military ability.

[00:25:18]Ali Muhammad Abu Fakhr, thank you so much for joining us. It's always a great pleasure to hear from you. Um we now finish with some news coming out of Africa, where the medical charity Doctors Without Borders has raised alarm over what it describes as an unprecedented and underestimated Ebola outbreak, warning that the scale of the crisis may be far worse than currently reported. The organization says growing transmission risks and limited healthcare access are increasing pressure on already fragile medical systems in affected regions. MSF has called for urgent international support, stronger surveillance, and faster medical response measures to contain the outbreak before it spreads further.

[00:26:03]Health workers on the ground say many cases may still be going undetected due to weak reporting systems and limited resources. The warning comes as global health agencies continue monitoring the outbreak closely amid fears that delayed action could worsen the humanitarian situation and place more communities at risk. Let's take a listen in.

[00:26:23]Le premier des défis c'est que cette épidémie est hors norme.

[00:26:27]Aujourd'hui, il y a plus de 700 cas suspects en Ituri. Habituellement, quand on intervient sur les épidémies d'Ebola, on intervient dès qu'il y a quelques cas, mais jamais 700. Donc on fait face à une épidémie majeure qui s'est déjà étendue dans de nombreuses zones.

[00:26:44]On est aussi en Ituri, un endroit où la population se déplace beaucoup.

[00:26:50]L'épidémie en plus dans des centres urbains de plusieurs centaines de milliers d'habitants, ce qui >> Well, that's all that we have time for this hour. Keep watching News X World for more international news updates.