Fresh fears of an explosion in the Iran conflict have emerged after US President Donald Trump slammed Tehran's counter-offer as 'totally unacceptable.' The latest blockage in peace talks has brought the two nations to the brink of war once again.
US Demands and Iran's Response
Under the latest US proposal, Washington demanded that Iran agree not to develop a nuclear weapon and halt uranium enrichment. In return, the US would lift sanctions and release billions of dollars in frozen Iranian assets. Both sides, which have imposed competing blockades in the Strait of Hormuz, would reopen the critical waterway within 30 days of signing.
Iran's counter-response included a demand for an end to the war on all fronts, including between Israel and Lebanese Hezbollah. Tehran wanted the first stage of negotiations to focus on ending hostilities and maritime security in the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, before moving on to discussions about its nuclear programme.
Iran also indicated a willingness to suspend uranium enrichment, but for a shorter period than the 20 years proposed by the US. Sources suggest Iran rejected dismantling its nuclear facilities.
Trump's Reaction
Trump said he had read Iran's proposal and stormed: 'I don't like it. I have just read the response from Iran's so-called Representatives. I don't like it — totally unacceptable.'
At a news conference on Monday, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei insisted Iran had offered to unblock the Strait of Hormuz. He called for an end to the war across the region and the release of frozen Iranian assets abroad in response to the latest US proposal.
Baghaei stated: 'We did not demand any concessions. Our demand is legitimate: demanding an end to the war, lifting the blockade and piracy, and releasing Iranian assets that have been unjustly frozen in banks due to US pressure. Safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz and establishing security in the region and Lebanon were other demands of Iran, which are considered a generous and responsible offer for regional security.'
Regional Escalation
Israel has stepped up attacks on Lebanese Hezbollah, with a fresh bombardment of Lebanon over the past 24 hours killing at least 51 people, including two medical workers. A separate Israel-Lebanon ceasefire brokered by the US is into its third week, while the Iran ceasefire started on April 8.
It is believed one sticking point might be that the US and Israel do not consider Lebanon to be part of any peace deal with Iran.
Warning to European Countries
Baghaei added a warning to European countries such as the UK, who are moving ships further towards the Gulf to help secure it if a peace settlement is agreed. He said: 'They should refrain from making any move that would undermine their interests. As I've said, this war is not only unethical, but it is also unlawful. The US and Israel started their aggression against Iran. These European countries shouldn't be fooled in order to get into this matter.'
'Any intervention in the Strait of Hormuz or the Persian Gulf would bring about further complications. They would rather exacerbate the prices. We look forward to the world countries acting responsibly,' Baghaei added.
