Iran demands control of the Strait of Hormuz, the lifting of sanctions and a ceasefire in Lebanon in exchange for an agreement with the U.S. The demands have provoked anger at the White House.
Iran has presented the United States with a sweeping list of demands in response to ongoing negotiations, according to reports from the Lebanese outlet Al Mayadeen, triggering a sharp reaction from Donald Trump, who warned that “Iran will not be laughing anymore." The reported Iranian proposal includes several major conditions that would pose significant obstacles for the Trump administration. Among the demands are an immediate end to the war, guarantees for a ceasefire in Lebanon - which Tehran reportedly described as a “red line" - the lifting of all American sanctions, the release of frozen Iranian assets, and unrestricted Iranian oil exports. The most dramatic demand, according to the report, is Iranian control over the Strait of Hormuz.
At the same time, sources quoted by The New York Times said that despite the escalating rhetoric, both Washington and Tehran are considering a temporary interim arrangement. Under the reported framework, the current ceasefire would be extended by 30 days, during which Iran would suspend its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz while intensive negotiations toward a broader agreement continue. The contacts between the two sides are reportedly being conducted in writing, with Pakistan serving as a mediator.
However, The Wall Street Journal reported that major disagreements remain, particularly regarding Iran’s enriched uranium stockpiles. According to sources familiar with the talks, Tehran has refused to fully accept the American demand to sharply reduce its enriched uranium reserves. The report said Iran has proposed diluting part of its enriched uranium stockpile while transferring the remainder to a third country. Tehran is also demanding guarantees that the uranium would be returned if negotiations collapse or if the United States withdraws from the agreement at a later stage. (Read More)
