Iran rejected a U.S.-proposed end-of-war plan. Saying it would take the 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 channel of Iran's state broadcaster, reported on the 25th (local time), citing a senior Iranian official, that Iran reviewed the U.S. proposal and decided not to accept it.
According to the report, the official said, "A cessation of hostile acts will be carried out only according to the conditions and timetable set by Iran," adding, "Iran will not leave it to President Donald Trump to determine when to end the conflict." The official continued, "Iran will decide for itself and will end the war when the conditions it has set are met," and called the U.S. proposal "excessive."
Citing past attempts at negotiations, the official also voiced criticism that the United States had not shown a genuine will to engage in dialogue. The argument is that the current proposal is closer to a strategic tool to heighten tensions rather than ease them.
The Trump administration is known 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) ▲ dismantling of the Natanz, Isfahan and Fordo 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: ▲ halting assassinations of senior Iranian figures ▲ establishing a mechanism to prevent a recurrence of aggression against Iran ▲ paying for war damages and compensation ▲ a complete end to war across all fronts and resistance groups throughout the Middle East ▲ Iran's lawful exercise of sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz and guarantees thereof. In particular, the demand for compensation payments and the issue of control over the Strait of Hormuz are seen as key sticking points.
The Strait of Hormuz is a key route for global crude shipments, and any Iranian push for a blockade or tighter control would inevitably have major repercussions for the global energy market.
The prevailing view is that these are conditions the United States would find hard to accept. For the White House, guaranteeing freedom of maritime routes and defending allies are core strategies, so accepting Iran's demands could lead to weakened influence in the Middle East.