Iran has rejected a U.S.-proposed end-of-war plan. Saying it will lead on the timing and conditions for ending the war, it counterproposed five conditions, including recognition of its sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz.
Press TV, the English-language channel of Iran's state broadcaster, reported on the 25th (local time), citing a senior Iranian official, that Iran decided not to accept the U.S. proposal after reviewing it.
According to the report, the official said, "The cessation of hostile acts will take place only according to the conditions and timetable set by Iran," adding, "Iran will not allow President Donald Trump to dictate the timing of ending the dispute." The official added, "Iran will decide for itself and will end the war when the conditions it has set are met," calling the U.S. offer "excessive."
Referring to past negotiation attempts, the official also voiced criticism that the United States had not shown a genuine willingness to talk. The argument is that the current proposed deal is closer to a strategic tool to heighten tensions rather than ease them.
The Trump administration is said to have demanded 15 items from Iran, including: ▲ a pledge to abandon nuclear weapons ▲ a total ban on domestic uranium enrichment ▲ transfer of 450 kilograms of 60% enriched uranium to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) ▲ dismantlement of the Natanz, Isfahan and Fordow nuclear facilities ▲ abandonment of the regional proxy strategy ▲ free passage through the Strait of Hormuz ▲ limits on missile range and scale.
Rejecting the U.S. proposal, Iran instead presented its own five conditions for ending the war: ▲ an end to assassinations of senior Iranian figures ▲ establishment of a mechanism to prevent renewed aggression against Iran ▲ payment for war damage and compensation ▲ a complete end to war across all fronts and resistance groups throughout the Middle East ▲ recognition and guarantees for Iran's lawful exercise of sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz. In particular, the demand for compensation payments and the issue of control over the Strait of Hormuz are seen as core sticking points.
The Strait of Hormuz is a key route for global crude shipments, and if Iran insists on a blockade or tighter control, the ripple effects on the global energy market would be significant.
The prevailing view is that these are conditions the United States will find hard to accept. For the White House, guaranteeing freedom of navigation and defending allies are core strategies, and accepting Iran's demands could weaken its influence in the Middle East.