Vehicles move along Enghelab Square in central Tehran. AFP
A high-ranking diplomatic source told Qatar’s Al Jazeera that Tehran had received a 15-point US plan but considered it “extremely maximalist and unreasonable.”
The source said media portrayals of the proposal do not accurately reflect its substance, describing it as “not beautiful even on paper” and “deceptive and misleading” in presentation.
Another official told Saudi outlet Al Arabiya Al Hadath that Iran had reviewed the proposal but deemed it unacceptable, adding that Tehran had signaled through a regional intermediary that it would continue to defend itself.
A senior Iranian official told Reuters that Tehran’s initial response to the US proposal had been “not positive,” but said it remains under review.
Iran has instead set out five core conditions for ending the war, mainly an immediate halt to the aggression, including strikes and assassinations, along with guarantees against renewed war.
Iran’s terms include mechanisms to ensure compensation for war-related damages, clearly defined war reparations, and a comprehensive end to hostilities across all fronts, including against allied resistance groups in the region.
In addition, Tehran is demanding recognition of its sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz as a “natural and legal right.”
Tehran said it "will continue to defend itself until these conditions are fulfilled,” and would end the war only “when Iran decides — not when Trump intends", a senior political-security official told Iran’s state outlet Press TV.
Officials said these conditions are separate from demands raised in previous negotiations and stressed that no ceasefire would take place unless they are accepted.
Iranian officials have insisted that no indirect talks with the United States have taken place. Geneva talks ended two days before the US and Israel struck Iran on 28 February, disrupting ongoing negotiations, though messages have continued to be exchanged through several mediators.
The source also contrasted Iran’s position with that of the other side, which they said “constantly moves the goalpost,” adding that Tehran has a clear understanding of what it will accept and what it will reject.
Meanwhile, US broadcaster CNN reported, citing senior US officials, that the Trump administration is working to arrange a meeting in Pakistan later this week to explore a potential path forward.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical oil transit chokepoints, with a significant share of global crude supplies passing through it, making any escalation a key concern for energy markets and global trade.
Iran has virtually closed the vital Strait of Hormuz to "ennemies" vessels, sending global oil and gas prices soaring.
Tehran insisted the Strait is open, with vessels from Japan, China, India, and Pakistan being allowed through.
On Wednesday, Tehran signaled that “non-hostile vessels” may transit the waterway if they comply with safety and security regulations in coordination with the relevant authorities.
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