Iran announced on Monday that it has submitted its response to the latest United States proposal aimed at ending the ongoing conflict, which began on February 28. The exchange of proposals continues despite Iranian media characterizing Washington's demands as excessive.
Diplomatic Exchanges Continue
Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei confirmed during a press briefing that Iran's concerns have been conveyed to the American side. He noted that discussions are proceeding through a Pakistani mediator, though he did not provide specific details. The two nations have held only one round of direct talks so far, against the backdrop of a fragile ceasefire that has been in place since April 8.
Iran's Stance on Demands
Baqaei defended Iran's core demands, which include the release of Iranian assets frozen abroad and the lifting of long-standing sanctions. He emphasized that these points have been consistently upheld by the Iranian negotiating team in every round of talks. Additionally, he reiterated Iran's demand for war reparations from the United States, describing the conflict as illegal and baseless. When questioned about the possibility of renewed military confrontation, Baqaei stated that Iran is fully prepared for any eventuality.
US Proposal Details
On Sunday, Iran's Fars news agency reported that Washington presented a five-point list. Among its conditions, the US demanded that Iran maintain only one nuclear site in operation and transfer its stockpile of highly enriched uranium to the United States. According to Fars, the US refused to release even 25 percent of Iran's frozen assets or pay any reparations for war damage. The report also indicated that the US would only cease hostilities once Tehran engages in formal peace negotiations.
Iranian Media Reactions
Iran's Mehr news agency criticized the US approach, stating that Washington offers no tangible concessions while seeking to obtain concessions it failed to secure during the war. The agency described the US conditions as excessive and likely to lead to an impasse in negotiations.
Iran's Earlier Proposal
In a previous proposal sent last week, Iran called for an end to the war on all fronts, including Israel's campaign in Lebanon, as well as a halt to the US naval blockade on Iranian ports that has been in effect since April 13. Iran also demanded the lifting of all US sanctions and the release of its frozen assets abroad. Fars noted that the Iranian proposal emphasized Tehran's continued management of the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a vital energy conduit that Iran has largely kept closed since the start of the war.
