PANews reported on March 30 that, according to the Wall Street Journal, Iranian First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref stated that if any parties wish to negotiate on the Strait of Hormuz, they must commit to no longer invading Iran and recognizing Iran's international rights. Aref's statement echoed previous rhetoric from Trump, who claimed that Iran's enemies were "begging us" to negotiate this crucial waterway. According to Iranian state broadcaster IRIB, Aref said, "They must utter this golden phrase: 'We will no longer invade Iran and will recognize all of Iran's international rights.'" He added, "We will wait and see!"