Iran and the United States remain locked in an impasse over several critical issues, preventing serious negotiations to end the ongoing war. The stalemate persists despite recent diplomatic efforts, with both sides holding firm on their demands.
What Are the Latest Demands?
Iran presented a clear response on Sunday to a reported 14-point American proposal aimed at ending the conflict. Tehran's counteroffer focused on ending hostilities across all fronts, particularly in Lebanon, where Israel continues to clash with Iran-backed Hezbollah. Additionally, Iran demanded the lifting of the American blockade that has severely restricted traffic in and out of Iranian ports, costing an estimated $435 million per week. Compensation for war damage and the lifting of sanctions were also key demands, with Iran insisting on the release of frozen assets abroad.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei stated, "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 U.S. pressure." He added that safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz and establishing security in the region and Lebanon were considered generous and responsible offers for regional security.
The American proposal, which reportedly included a 14-point memorandum, aimed to end the war and begin a 30-day negotiation period. It offered sanctions relief and the release of billions of dollars in frozen Iranian funds. However, key questions remain, with the US focusing on the nuclear dispute and Iran seeking post-war control of the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran's Nuclear Programme and Sanctions Relief
The nuclear issue has long troubled US-Iran relations, even before the conflict erupted on 28 February. On the eve of the war, Iran had agreed to convert its enriched uranium into fuel and commit to never holding nuclear material for a bomb. However, after ten weeks, demands have shifted. The latest US plan proposed a temporary moratorium on enrichment, with limited civilian enrichment allowed after several years. It also included provisions for UN nuclear watchdog inspections and the removal of enriched uranium from Iran.
In return, the US offered to lift sanctions and release frozen funds. While the US proposed prioritizing an end to the war and addressing the nuclear issue in a separate 30-day window, Iran pushed for immediate sanctions relief and compensation before further talks. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the war was not over, as more work was needed to remove enriched uranium, dismantle enrichment sites, and address Iran's proxies and ballistic missiles.
The Strait of Hormuz
Despite a truce in name, clashes in the Strait of Hormuz have escalated, with both sides maintaining blockades for leverage. Tehran demanded an end to the US blockade and "piracy" in the waterway, which has severely impacted Iran's economy. Iran also sought compensation for war damage and emphasized its sovereignty over the strait. The US, however, pushed for the international waterway to be fully opened for commercial shipping, ending Iran's blockade.
The UN Convention on the Law of the Sea stipulates that countries bordering straits cannot demand payment for passage. The US suggested a gradual de-escalation over 30 days, with forces withdrawing from the Gulf region while diplomats address contentious issues.
A Ceasefire for Lebanon
Iran's response emphasized ending the war on all fronts, especially in Lebanon, where Hezbollah continues to clash with Israeli forces. Fighting has persisted in southern Lebanon despite a US-brokered ceasefire announced on April 16. Netanyahu noted that an end to hostilities with Iran would not necessarily end the war in Lebanon, indicating the complexity of the regional conflict.
