The foreign ministry spokesman of Iran, Esmaeil Baqaei, said on Monday that the United States must reduce its demands on the Islamic republic, with negotiations stalled over ending the two-month-long Middle East war.
“At this stage, our priority is to end the war,” he said in a briefing broadcast by state television. “The other side must commit to a reasonable approach and abandon its excessive demands regarding Iran.”
Negotiations between the two countries have stalled since a ceasefire was declared on April 8, with only one round of direct peace talks held thus far.
Iran’s stranglehold on the Strait of Hormuz has been a major sticking point since the US and Israel initiated strikes on February 28, cutting off major oil, gas, and fertilizer exports, while the US has enforced a port blockade.
However, US President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that Washington would begin escorting ships through the channel, triggering a threat of military action from Iran.
“By now, the Americans should have learned that they cannot use the language of threats and force against the Iranian nation,” said Baqaei.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran has shown that it considers itself the guardian and protector of the Strait of Hormuz and this vital waterway.”
He stated that prior to the conflict, the strait was a “secure and safe route” for international ships.
“The international community must hold the United States and the Zionist regime accountable for imposing insecurity on this waterway and for creating problems that are being felt across the world,” he added, referring to Israel.
Before Trump announced the escort plan, Baqaei informed state television that Tehran had submitted a 14-point proposal “focused on ending the war,” to which Washington responded in a message to Pakistani mediators.
