Iran Urges U.S. to Ease Demands as Talks Stall Over Middle East Conflict
Iran has called on the United States to scale back its demands as negotiations aimed at ending the ongoing Middle East conflict remain stalled, according to the country’s Foreign Ministry.
Speaking on Monday, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Esmaeil Baqaei, said Tehran’s immediate priority is to bring an end to hostilities, urging Washington to adopt a more constructive approach.
“At this stage, our priority is to end the war,” Baqaei said during a televised briefing. “The other side must commit to a reasonable approach and abandon its excessive demands regarding Iran.”
Diplomatic efforts between Iran and the United States have made little progress since a ceasefire took effect on April 8, with only one round of direct peace talks held so far.
Tensions have remained high following disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route linking the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman. The waterway has faced significant restrictions since the escalation of hostilities earlier in the year, affecting the flow of oil, gas, and other commodities.
The situation has been further complicated by U.S. measures targeting Iranian ports, while Washington has signalled plans to begin escorting commercial vessels through the strait — a move that has drawn sharp warnings from Tehran.
Reacting to the development, Baqaei said the United States should abandon what he described as “the language of threats,” insisting that Iran remains committed to safeguarding the strategic waterway.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran considers itself the guardian and protector of this vital route,” he said, adding that the strait had remained safe for international shipping prior to the conflict.
He also called on the international community to hold the United States and Israel accountable for what he described as actions that have destabilised the region and disrupted global trade.
According to the spokesman, Iran has submitted a 14-point proposal focused on ending the conflict, with Washington reportedly responding through diplomatic channels involving Pakistani mediators.
Despite the exchange, negotiations remain at a standstill, raising concerns over the broader economic and security implications of continued tensions in one of the world’s most strategic maritime corridors.
Iran Urges U.S. to Ease Demands as Talks Stall Over Middle East Conflict