Iran Says US Must Ease Demands As Ceasefire Talks Show Little Progress
Esmaeil Baqaei says US must drop demands as Iran talks remain stalled.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Iran spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei on Monday said the United States must scale back what he described as “excessive demands” as negotiations to end the ongoing conflict in the Middle East remain stalled. His remarks come amid a fragile ceasefire that has held since April 8 but has yet to translate into substantive diplomatic progress.
Speaking at a briefing broadcast on state television, Baqaei said Iran’s immediate priority is to end the war, urging Washington to adopt what he called a more “reasonable approach.” He stressed that continued reliance on pressure tactics would not yield results, adding that the United States should move away from threats and engage constructively if negotiations are to advance.
Diplomatic talks between Iran and the United States have seen limited movement, with only one round of direct peace negotiations held since the ceasefire took effect. Efforts to de-escalate tensions have been complicated by deep disagreements over strategic and security issues, leaving both sides at an impasse despite international calls for a durable resolution.
Also Read: Inside Iran’s 14-Point Proposal: Demands for U.S. Withdrawal and Sanctions Relief
A major point of contention remains control over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route for oil, gas, and other commodities. Iran has tightened its hold over the waterway following strikes launched by the United States and Israel on February 28, while Washington has responded by imposing a blockade on Iranian ports, further escalating tensions and disrupting global supply chains.
US President Donald Trump said on Sunday that American forces would begin escorting commercial vessels through the strait, a move that prompted warnings from the Iranian military. Baqaei responded by asserting that Iran considers itself the “guardian” of the waterway and warned that coercive measures would not succeed against the country.
He also maintained that the Strait of Hormuz had remained a secure route for international shipping prior to the conflict and accused the United States and Israel of creating instability in the region. According to Baqaei, Tehran has already submitted a 14-point proposal aimed at ending the war, with Washington reportedly responding through Pakistani mediators. However, no breakthrough has been announced, and negotiations remain at a sensitive stage.
Also Read: Iran State TV Says No Delegation Has Reached Islamabad Yet
