Iran has rejected a 15-point U.S. peace proposal aimed at de-escalating tensions in the Middle East, and is presenting its own terms for ending the conflict.
Iran Rejects U.S. Proposal, Presents Counter-Demands
According to Iranian state television, cited by the Associated Press, Iran has rejected the American offer. Press TV, citing an anonymous government official, reported that Tehran dismissed Washington’s proposal.
An Iranian official told Reuters on Wednesday that the initial reaction to the U.S. plan for ending the war in the Middle East was “not positive,” but Tehran is still analyzing it. Details of the 15-point peace plan have not been made public.
Iran’s Conditions for a Ceasefire
Iran will only end the war when it decides to and when its own conditions are met, a Press TV-quoted official stated, adding that Tehran will continue defensive actions until then. Iran’s demands include a halt to attacks and assassinations by the U.S. and Israel.
Iran is also seeking specific guarantees to prevent the resumption of hostilities, as well as compensation for war losses. Furthermore, Iran demands recognition of its sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz as a “natural, legal right.”
U.S. Plan Details and Iranian Response
The American plan reportedly includes easing sanctions, Iran’s withdrawal from its nuclear program, a limit on Tehran’s missile arsenal, opening the Strait of Hormuz, and reducing Iranian support for armed groups in the region. A high-ranking diplomatic source cited by Al Jazeera said Iran deemed the proposal “extremely maximalist and unreasonable,” stating it “doesn’t look good even on paper.”
UN Appeals for De-escalation
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called on the U.S. and Israel to end their war against Iran, and on Tehran to cease attacks on neighboring countries in the Gulf region. He stated that the situation “has gone too far” and that fighting “has crossed boundaries that even leaders considered unimaginable.”
Guterres announced the appointment of a personal envoy to coordinate the organization’s efforts regarding the conflict and ongoing peace attempts.