Iran has submitted its response to a US proposal aimed at ending the war, sending it through Pakistani mediators, according to Iranian media.
Tehran called the US demands “excessive and illogical,” saying the plan amounted to surrendering to Donald Trump.
Iranian media reported that Tehran has made it clear negotiations will only move forward if they are in line with Iranian interests.
A source cited by Iran’s state-linked Tasnim news agency rejected Trump’s criticism of the response, saying, “No one in Iran drafts plans to please Trump.”
The source added that Iran’s negotiating team must focus only on the interests of the Iranian nation.
End to blockade and oil restrictions
According to Iranian media, Iran has demanded the lifting of the naval blockade and removal of restrictions on Iranian oil exports. Tehran is also seeking the cancellation of US OFAC restrictions related to Iranian oil sales during a proposed 30-day period.
The proposal further calls for the complete lifting of sanctions and the release of frozen Iranian assets held abroad.
Lebanon ceasefire included
Iran’s response also includes a clause on a ceasefire in Lebanon, where Israel is fighting Iran-backed Hezbollah. Sources cited by Hezbollah-affiliated Al Mayadeen said the Lebanon ceasefire issue is one of Tehran’s red lines in the talks.
Iran has conditioned the end of tensions in Lebanon on clear guarantees, while stressing that any agreement must immediately end the war after it is announced.
Strait of Hormuz central
Iran has also demanded recognition of its sovereignty and control over the Strait of Hormuz. IRIB reported that Tehran rejected any framework that would weaken Iranian control over the strategic waterway.
The first stage of talks would focus on ending hostilities and ensuring maritime security in the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz.
Nuclear program remains key dispute
“Our response focuses on ending the war throughout the region, especially in Lebanon, and resolving differences with Washington,” an official Iranian source told Al Jazeera. They said Tehran’s response includes negotiations over the Strait of Hormuz, Iran’s nuclear program and the lifting of sanctions.
The Wall Street Journal reported that Iran’s response does not meet US demands regarding its nuclear program and enriched uranium stockpile.
Iran reportedly proposed diluting its enriched uranium and transferring part of it to a third country that is not the United States. Tehran also demanded that the uranium be returned if talks fail or if Washington withdraws from any agreement later.
Iran agreed to halt uranium enrichment, but for less than 20 years, and refused to dismantle its nuclear facilities.
Iran proposes 30-day negotiation period
Iranian media said Tehran proposed a 30-day negotiation period after a ceasefire to finalize a broader agreement. The proposed text also includes mutual measures designed to test American seriousness.
According to reports, nuclear issues would also be discussed between the US and Iran during this 30-day period.
An Iranian official told Al Jazeera that Tehran’s response was “realistic and positive.” The official said Iran wants to end the war across the region, especially in Lebanon, while resolving disputes with Washington.
“Washington’s positive response to our response will move the negotiations forward quickly. The choice now lies with Washington,” the official said.
Iran’s response was submitted through Pakistani mediation, according to IRNA. For now, negotiations between Tehran and Washington will continue in written form through Pakistan, Iranian media reported.
