Iran said on Monday that the United States must scale back its demands as negotiations to end a two-month war in the Middle East remain stalled.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaei Baquei said Tehran’s priority is to end the conflict and urged Washington to adopt a “reasonable 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.”
Talks between Iran and the United States have been at an impasse since a ceasefire took effect April 8. Only one round of direct negotiations has been held.
A major sticking point is Iran’s control of the Strait of Hormuz after U.S. and Israeli strikes on Feb. 28. The disruption has choked off significant flows of oil, gas and fertilizer, while Washington has imposed a blockade on Iranian ports.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Sunday that American forces would begin escorting ships through the waterway, prompting threats of attacks from Iran’s military.
“By now, the Americans should have learned that they cannot use the language of threats and force against the Iranian nation,” Baqaei said.
He described Iran as the “guardian and protector” of the strategic waterway and said it had been secure for international shipping before the conflict.
Baqaei also said Tehran submitted a 14-point proposal aimed at ending the war and that Washington responded through Pakistani mediators. He accused the United States and Israel of creating instability in the waterway and called on the international community to hold them accountable.
