Iran’s latest response to a U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal called for sweeping political, military and economic concessions from Washington, including lifting sanctions, compensating for war losses, withdrawing troops from the region and recognizing Tehran’s sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz, but the terms were quickly rejected by President Donald Trump.Tehran’s response came after Washington presented a 14-point proposal aimed at ending the 10-week conflict that has disrupted global oil supplies and heightened tensions in the Middle East, Iranian state media and Al Jazeera reported.While neither side has publicly released the full text of the proposal, the main differences reveal deep differences over Iran’s nuclear program, regional influence and control of key shipping routes.Iran’s proposal reportedly calls for the United States to lift sanctions, end naval blockades of Iranian ports and lift restrictions on Iranian oil exports as part of a ceasefire arrangement.
damages
Tehran is also demanding the unfreezing of nearly $20 billion in Iranian assets and seeking about $270 billion in compensation for losses caused by U.S. and Israeli attacks during the conflict.
Controlling the Strait of Hormuz
A major sticking point has emerged in the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow waterway through which nearly a fifth of the world’s oil supplies were transported before the conflict escalated. Iran is reportedly seeking formal recognition of its control over shipping in the strait, including the right to impose transit fees, while demanding that the United States end its blockade of Iranian ports.However, Washington insists the blockade will remain in place until a broader agreement is reached.
nuclear control
Another bone of contention involves Iran’s nuclear program. According to reports, the U.S. proposal requires Tehran to completely cease nuclear activities and transfer its stockpile of approximately 400 kilograms of highly enriched uranium to U.S. custody.Iran rejected both demands, arguing that any restrictions on its nuclear program could only be temporary and refusing to hand over its uranium stockpiles.
U.S. troops withdraw
Iran’s response also linked any ceasefire to broader regional issues. Tehran reportedly demanded that U.S. troops withdraw from the area and cease all hostilities, including Israeli military operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon.At the same time, the United States has sought to curb Iran’s support for regional allies such as Hezbollah and Hamas, while also pushing to limit Tehran’s ballistic missile program.
Trump calls proposal unacceptable
Within hours of Iran’s response becoming public, Trump flatly dismissed the claim.“I just read the response from the so-called ‘representative’ of Iran. I don’t like it – completely unacceptable! Thank you for your attention to this matter,” Trump wrote on The Truth Society, without elaborating on what parts of the proposal Washington considers unacceptable.The rejection immediately shocked global energy markets, sending oil prices up nearly $3 a barrel on concerns the standoff would prolong chaos in the Strait of Hormuz.The ongoing tensions also expose growing international concerns about the economic impact of the conflict. NATO allies have reportedly rejected U.S. calls to send naval forces to reopen the strait without a comprehensive peace agreement and an internationally mandated mission.Trump expected to discuss Iran with Chinese president Xi Jinping During his upcoming visit to Beijing, Washington sought Beijing’s help in forcing Tehran to reach a deal.israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the war was not over yet and insisted more work still needed to be done to dismantle Iran’s enrichment capabilities, ballistic missile program and regional proxy network.Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian responded by saying that Iran “will never bow to its enemies” and will continue to defend its national interests “with strength.”Despite diplomatic efforts, tensions in the region remain high. The United Arab Emirates said it intercepted two drones launched from Iran on Sunday, while Qatar condemned a drone attack on a cargo ship in its waters. Kuwait also reported enemy drones entering its airspace.Meanwhile, clashes between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah continue in southern Lebanon despite an earlier US-brokered ceasefire.
