Iran’s latest response to the US-backed ceasefire proposal demanded Washington make sweeping political, military and economic concessions – including sanctions relief, compensation for war damage, the withdrawal of US forces from the region and recognition of Tehran’s authority over the Strait of Hormuz – terms swiftly rejected by President Donald Trump.Tehran’s response came after Washington presented a 14-point proposal aimed at ending the 10-week conflict that has disrupted global oil supplies and raised tensions across the Middle East, according to reports by Iranian state media and Al Jazeera.Although neither side publicly released the full text of the resolutions, key disagreements highlighted deep divisions over Iran’s nuclear program, regional influence and control of vital shipping routes.Iran’s proposal reportedly called for the United States to lift sanctions, end the naval blockade of Iranian ports, and lift restrictions on Iranian oil exports as part of any ceasefire arrangement.
compensation for damage
Tehran also demanded the lifting of the seizure of approximately $20 billion in Iranian assets and compensation of approximately $270 billion for damages caused by US and Israeli attacks during the conflict.
control over the strait of hormuz
A major sticking point emerged over the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow waterway through which about a fifth of the world’s oil supply passed before the conflict escalated. Iran reportedly demanded formal recognition of its control over shipping through the strait, including the right to levy transit fees, while demanding an end to the US blockade of Iranian ports.However, Washington has insisted that the blockade will continue until a comprehensive agreement is reached.
nuclear control
Another major issue of controversy involved Iran’s nuclear program. The US proposal reportedly demands that Tehran completely halt its nuclear activities and hand over its stockpile of approximately 400 kilograms of highly enriched uranium to US custody.Iran rejected both demands, arguing that any restrictions on its nuclear program could only be temporary and refusing to surrender its uranium reserves.
US military withdrawal
The Iranian response also linked any ceasefire to broader regional issues. Tehran reportedly demanded the withdrawal of US forces from the region and a halt to all hostilities, including Israel’s military campaign against Hezbollah in Lebanon.Meanwhile, the US has sought to curb Iran’s support for regional allies such as Hezbollah and Hamas, while also pushing for limits on Tehran’s ballistic missile program.
Trump called the proposal unacceptable
Within hours of the Iranian response becoming public, Trump rejected it outright.“I just read the response from the so-called “representatives” of Iran. I don’t like it – completely unacceptable! Thank you for your attention to this matter,” Trump wrote on Truth Social, without specifying which parts of the resolution Washington found unacceptable.The rejection immediately roiled global energy markets, sending oil prices rising nearly $3 a barrel amid fears the standoff would prolong the disruption in the Strait of Hormuz.The ongoing tensions have also highlighted growing international concern over the economic consequences of the conflict. NATO allies have reportedly resisted US calls to send naval forces to reopen the strait without a comprehensive peace agreement and an internationally mandated mission.Trump is expected to discuss Iran with Chinese President Xi Jinping during his upcoming visit to Beijing, as Washington seeks Beijing’s help in pressuring Tehran for a deal.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the war is not over and stressed that more work remains to dismantle Iran’s enrichment capabilities, ballistic missile program and regional proxy networks.Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian responded by saying that Iran would “never bow to the enemy” and would continue to defend its national interests “with force.”Despite diplomatic efforts, tension remains in the entire region. The United Arab Emirates said it intercepted two drones launched from Iran on Sunday, while Qatar condemned a drone attack on a cargo ship in its territorial waters. Kuwait also reported the entry of hostile drones into its airspace.Meanwhile, clashes between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah continue in southern Lebanon despite an earlier US-brokered ceasefire.