By Elsie Kamsiyochi
A senior Iranian official has dismissed a U.S. proposal aimed at ending nearly four weeks of escalating conflict, calling the plan “one-sided, unfair, and detached from realities on the ground.” Despite the sharp criticism, the official emphasized that diplomatic channels remain open, even as Tehran sees no realistic roadmap for peace negotiations at this stage.
Speaking to Reuters on Thursday, the official said the proposal — which was relayed to Iran through Pakistan — underwent extensive overnight review by high-ranking Iranian authorities, including a representative of Iran’s Supreme Leader. According to the official, the plan fails to meet even “the minimum requirements” for a workable agreement and appears to be crafted primarily to serve U.S. and Israeli strategic interests.
Still, the official noted that diplomacy is not completely stalled, adding that if “realism prevails in Washington,” there may yet be a narrow path forward to reduce tensions and prevent a wider regional crisis.
Trump Pressures Tehran: “Get Serious”
Earlier in the day, U.S. President Donald Trump escalated rhetoric toward Tehran, urging Iranian leaders to “get serious” about talks to halt the conflict, which began on February 28 after coordinated U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iranian targets.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump claimed Iran was “begging” for a deal, sharply contradicting Tehran’s public stance. Iran’s foreign minister had previously dismissed messages passed through intermediaries, saying such indirect communications do not constitute negotiations and that Iran currently has no intention of engaging in formal talks.
Trump, while calling Iranian negotiators both “strange” and “great negotiators,” warned that time was running out:
“They better get serious soon, before it is too late.
Once that happens, there is no turning back.”
He later expressed uncertainty over whether he was even willing to finalize a deal with Iran under current conditions.
Contentious U.S. Proposal Adds to Tensions
Sources familiar with the discussions say the U.S. put forward a 15-point framework demanding major concessions from Tehran. These include:
- Dismantling Iran’s nuclear program
- Strict limits on its missile capabilities
- Significant security oversight in the Strait of Hormuz, effectively reducing Iran’s authority over the strategic waterway
Iranian officials say such demands are unacceptable, especially in the midst of active conflict. Since the war began, Iran has hardened its negotiating position, now insisting on:
- Ironclad guarantees against future military attacks
- Compensation for losses suffered during the conflict
- Formal recognition of Iran’s control of the Strait of Hormuz
- Inclusion of Lebanon in any future ceasefire agreement
Regional sources confirm Iran is using intermediaries to communicate that no ceasefire can be agreed without addressing Lebanese security concerns, given ongoing Israeli operations in that theatre.
Diplomacy Continues, but Obstacles Mount
Despite fiery exchanges and mistrust on both sides, officials involved in regional mediation say diplomatic lines remain active, though fragile. Tehran’s stance suggests it believes Washington must first adjust its expectations and acknowledge Iran’s expanded list of strategic demands before meaningful talks can occur.
The conflict has already caused significant destruction, including widespread damage to residential areas in Tehran following retaliatory strikes. International observers warn that without a breakthrough, the confrontation risks spiraling into a longer and more destabilizing regional conflict.
For now, both sides continue to trade sharp rhetoric while simultaneously relying on intermediaries — particularly Pakistan and several Gulf states — in an attempt to keep negotiations alive, however slim the prospects may appear.
Source Reuters
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