Negar Mortazavi
ON THE RECORD · 4 verbatim quotes · every quote source-verified
“Iran’s leverage has diminished but has not disappeared,”
Negar Mortazavi · said 2026-10-20 · reported 2026-10-20
Mortazavi said the escalation in the Strait of Hormuz was part of Tehran's strategy to maintain leverage against Washington despite military disadvantages.
“Ultimately, neither military escalation nor economic pressure is likely to produce Iranian capitulation,”
Negar Mortazavi · said 2026-10-20 · reported 2026-10-20
Mortazavi warned that continued escalation posed serious risks and that neither military nor economic pressure would likely force Iranian capitulation.
“Tehran wants to end the war, but it is not prepared to surrender under military or economic pressure,”
Negar Mortazavi · said 2026-10-20 · reported 2026-10-20
Mortazavi told Al Jazeera on the sidelines of the forum in Doha that the diplomatic door remained open but negotiations were stalled over terms and sequencing.
“Moving tankers is not the same as restoring safe, predictable and normal maritime traffic.”
Negar Mortazavi · said 2026-10-20 · reported 2026-10-20
Mortazavi noted that moving tankers through the Strait of Hormuz was not equivalent to restoring normal maritime traffic.