Iran said to toughen negotiating stance, tamping down chances of deal with US to end war

U.S. officials expressed frustration Wednesday with a list of conditions Iran presented for entering into negotiations to end the ongoing conflict, as conflicting reports emerged regarding President Donald Trump’s attempts to halt the fighting.

Iran’s Demands

Iran recently provided the U.S. with a series of demands that must be met if the Trump administration wishes to proceed with ceasefire negotiations, almost a month after the war began with U.S. and Israeli strikes against Iranian regime targets on February 28.

Among the demands, Iran is seeking economic control over the Strait of Hormuz, a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, and the ability to continue developing its ballistic missile program without limitations.

Other conditions reportedly include the dismantling of U.S. army bases in the region and financial compensation for war damages.

These demands were communicated through third-party intermediaries, with no direct contact between Washington and Tehran.

Many of Iran’s demands appear to contradict reported U.S. conditions for ending the war. The U.S. expects Iran to limit the range and quantity of its missile programs, using them only for self-defense; abandon its support for regional proxies, including Hezbollah; and dismantle its nuclear capabilities, handing over its stockpile of enriched uranium.

‘Not Now. Not Ever’

Iran dismissed the possibility of negotiations, suggesting the U.S. was negotiating with itself. The Islamic Republic has repeatedly denied direct talks with the U.S. regarding a ceasefire, despite Trump’s claims of negotiations with “the right people” in Iran.

Ebrahim Zolfaqari, a spokesperson for Iran’s joint military command, questioned whether the U.S. was “negotiating with yourself?” He stated, “People like us can never get along with people like you,” and “Your era of empty promises has come to an end.”

Zolfaqari warned that U.S. investments would not regain value and prewar energy prices would not return unless Washington acknowledges that Iranian armed forces guarantee regional stability.

Iran’s leadership has previously cited past instances of U.S. attacks during negotiations as reasons to avoid talks. Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei stated Tuesday that there was no dialogue taking place with Washington, as Iranian armed forces are focused on defending the country.

Despite Iran’s denials, two Pakistani officials reported Wednesday that Iran had received a 15-point proposal from Washington to end the war. The proposal addresses sanctions relief, civilian nuclear cooperation, a rollback of Iran’s nuclear program, monitoring by the International Atomic Energy Agency, missile limits, and access through the Strait of Hormuz.

An Egyptian official involved in mediation efforts described the 15 points as “a comprehensive deal” to reach a truce, including restrictions on Iran’s missile program and support for armed groups, as well as allowing traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. However, the proposal is being treated as a basis for further negotiations.

The Egyptian official noted that Iranian officials remain “very skeptical” of the Trump administration.

Trump initially announced negotiations with Iran on Monday, postponing a two-day deadline for reopening the Strait of Hormuz. He later stated Tuesday that Tehran had given him a “very big present worth a tremendous amount of oil,” regarding the Strait of Hormuz. Iran subsequently assured safe passage to “non-hostile vessels” through the strait.

The benchmark price of crude oil dropped nearly six percent following these developments. The disruption of the waterway has created a significant energy supply shock, increasing fuel prices and disrupting global aviation.

Israel launched its campaign against Iran, alongside the U.S., to degrade Iran’s military capabilities, distance threats posed by Iran, and “create the conditions” for the Iranian people to topple the regime.

Since the war began on February 28, 15 Israeli civilians and foreign nationals have been killed in Israel by Iranian ballistic missile attacks, along with four Palestinians in the West Bank. More than 400 ballistic missiles have been launched from Iran at Israel, with a 92% interception rate of attacks targeting populated areas and key infrastructure. Thousands more missiles and drones have been fired at Gulf states. Eight missiles carrying conventional warheads have struck populated areas in Israel, causing extensive damage in six cases. Over 30 incidents involving missiles carrying cluster bomb warheads have also hit populated areas, with over 150 impact sites.

The Israeli Air Force has conducted hundreds of strikes in Iran, dropping over 13,000 bombs on Iranian regime and military sites. The IDF estimates that approximately 5,000 Iranian soldiers have been killed in Israeli strikes, with tens of thousands more wounded.