Iran has called on the United States to reduce its demands and adopt a “reasonable approach” as negotiations to end the two-month-long Middle East war remain deadlocked.
Speaking in a briefing broadcast by state television on Monday, Esmaeil Baqaei, the Iranian foreign ministry spokesman, stated that the country’s immediate priority is to end the conflict. He urged Washington to abandon what he described as “excessive demands” regarding the Islamic republic.
Diplomatic progress has stalled since a ceasefire took effect on 8 April, with only one round of direct peace talks held so far. A central point of contention remains Iran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz, established after the US and Israel launched strikes on 28 February.
The move has choked off global supplies of oil, gas, and fertiliser, while the United States has responded with a blockade on Iranian ports.
Tensions escalated further after US President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that Washington would begin escorting ships through the waterway, drawing threats of military retaliation from Tehran. Esmaeil Baqaei stated that the Americans should have learned that they cannot use the “language of threats and force” against the Iranian nation.
He asserted that Iran considers itself the “guardian and protector” of the vital waterway, which he claimed was a “secure and safe route” for shipping before the war.
The spokesman added that the international community must hold the United States and the “Zionist regime” accountable for imposing insecurity and creating global economic problems.
Before the announcement of the American escort plan, Tehran submitted a 14-point proposal focused on ending the war. Esmaeil Baqaei confirmed that Washington has responded to the proposal via Pakistani mediators.
