By Ginika Igboke
Iran has rejected a U.S.-backed cease-fire proposal and outlined its own conditions for ending the conflict, according to remarks from an Iranian political-security official, as diplomatic efforts intensify behind the scenes.
Speaking to state media, an unnamed senior official said Tehran would not accept externally imposed terms, emphasizing that Iran alone would determine when the war ends.
“Iran will end the war when it decides to do so and when its own conditions are met,” the official stated, adding that Iranian forces would continue delivering “heavy blows” until those demands are satisfied.
Iran’s Conditions for Cease-Fire
The official outlined several conditions for ending the war, including:
- A halt to what Iran described as aggression and assassinations
- Guarantees preventing future conflict
- Payment of war reparations
- An end to fighting across all fronts, including involving regional allies
- Recognition of Iran’s sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz
These demands directly conflict with U.S. and allied positions, particularly regarding control of the vital waterway.
U.S. Pushes Broad 15-Point Framework
Meanwhile, the White House has been pursuing diplomatic channels through intermediaries in an effort to resolve the conflict.
According to sources familiar with the matter, U.S. officials have advanced a 15-point proposal requiring Iran to:
- Halt uranium enrichment
- Dismantle key nuclear facilities
- Transfer enriched uranium stockpiles to the International Atomic Energy Agency
- Limit its ballistic missile program
- Cease support for regional proxy groups
In return, the United States would lift sanctions and remove mechanisms allowing penalties to be reimposed.
The proposal also calls for the Strait of Hormuz to remain an open international shipping lane—an idea firmly rejected by Tehran.
Fighting Continues Amid Diplomatic Efforts
Despite ongoing diplomatic outreach, hostilities have continued across the region.
Iran has launched additional missile and drone strikes targeting Israel and energy infrastructure in the Persian Gulf. Countries such as Saudi Arabia and Kuwait reported intercepting drones aimed at key facilities.
At the same time, Israel has continued strikes on Iranian military and industrial targets.
Donald Trump said on March 24 that the United States is actively engaged in negotiations, even as the conflict disrupts global supply chains, particularly for oil and key commodities like fertilizer inputs.
Iran Counterproposal Rejects U.S. Terms
Iran’s counterproposal, described as a five-point framework, dismissed the U.S. plan as “excessive” and inconsistent with battlefield realities.
Officials said the proposal was a “deception” intended to escalate tensions, adding that Iran would not enter negotiations unless its own conditions are accepted first.
“Iran is prepared to continue its defense and inflict heavy blows on the enemy,” a statement said, reinforcing Tehran’s stance that talks cannot proceed under current conditions.
Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has also denied that formal negotiations with Washington are taking place, while other Iranian officials have signaled no immediate path toward de-escalation.
Strait of Hormuz Remains Central to Dispute
A major sticking point remains the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has effectively restricted during the conflict. The waterway carries roughly 20 percent of global oil shipments, making it one of the most critical chokepoints in the world.
Tehran insists that sovereignty over the strait is a “natural and legal right,” while U.S. proposals emphasize keeping it open as an international shipping route.
The dispute has already caused significant disruption to global energy markets, contributing to volatility in oil prices.
Oil Markets React to Uncertain Outlook
Global markets have shown sensitivity to developments in the negotiations Brent crude prices briefly fell below $100 per barrel amid optimism over potential diplomatic progress, dropping to around $95 before rebounding toward $97 following news of Iran’s counterproposal.
The fluctuations reflect uncertainty over whether negotiations will succeed or whether the conflict will continue to escalate.
Uncertain Path Forward
With both sides holding firm to opposing demands, prospects for a cease-fire remain unclear. Iran has made it clear that it will not accept terms dictated by Washington, while the United States continues to push for sweeping concessions tied to nuclear and military capabilities.
As diplomacy unfolds alongside ongoing military action, the outcome will likely shape not only the future of the conflict but also global energy stability and regional security.
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