Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmail Baqaei. AFP
"We did not demand any concessions. The only thing we demanded was Iran's legitimate rights," said Ministry Spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei in a weekly press briefing.
He added that Iran's demands included "an end to the war across the region," ending the US naval blockade, and the "release of assets belonging to the Iranian people, which have for years been unjustly trapped in foreign banks."
US President Donald Trump said Sunday he has rejected Iran's response, slamming it as "TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE!"
Responding to Trump’s remarks, Baqaei said Iran’s proposal for safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and efforts to establish peace and security throughout the region could not be considered excessive or irresponsible demands.
"Tehran’s current priority is ending the war on all fronts, including Lebanon, ensuring security in the Strait of Hormuz, and preventing hostile actions and blockades against ships," he said.
All elements included in Iran’s proposal are “reasonable and generous” and intended for the benefit of both the region and the wider world, Baqaei added, as reported by Iranian news agency Tasnim.
The spokesman noted that all issues raised by Iran were supposed to be discussed, but that the US continues to insist on “unreasonable demands” shaped by the mindset promoted by Israel.
Commenting on the future of Iran-US talks and the possibility of another US attack, Baqaei said Iran would fight whenever necessary and would also use diplomatic channels whenever it deemed them effective for securing national interests.
“Diplomacy has its own rules,” he said, adding that Iran had consistently demonstrated seriousness in pursuing its legitimate rights while engaging in diplomatic processes in good faith.
“It is the other side that must prove its seriousness; however, it has so far failed to do so,” the spokesman said.
Baqaei added that Tehran has warned European countries against involvement in "a crisis that would certainly bring them no benefit," referring to the ongoing conflict in the Gulf.
"Any interference in the Strait of Hormuz would further complicate the situation," he said.
Britain and France are leading efforts to create an international coalition to secure the Strait of Hormuz, but only after a peace deal between the US and Iran is secured.
On Friday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged Europeans to help secure the key waterway after concluding a two-day visit to Rome.
During Monday’s briefing, Baqaei also denied claims of an oil spill in the Gulf after satellite images appeared to show an oil slick near Iran’s Kharg Island.
"The claims made regarding oil slicks and similar matters are entirely fabricated," he said, adding that Tehran was "very concerned about environmental harm" in the Gulf, which he blamed on the US presence in the region.
Short link: