The Iranian government defended its latest proposal to the United States on Monday, calling it "legitimate" and "generous," after U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the document submitted by Tehran was "totally unacceptable."
"Our demand is legitimate. We are calling for an end to the war, the lifting of the blockade and piracy, and the release of Iranian assets that have been unjustly frozen in banks due to U.S. pressure," said Esmaeil Baqaei, spokesman for the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He further explained that part of Iran's response also includes "safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz and ensuring security in the region and in Lebanon."
"It is considered a generous and legitimate offer for regional security," he stated, according to the Iranian public broadcaster, IRIB.
Baqaei lamented that "the United States continues to insist on its biased position," while emphasizing that Iran "has not demanded any concessions" from Washington. "We have called for an end to the war and piracy against Iranian ships," he noted.
In this regard, he reiterated that "any intervention in matters related to the Strait of Hormuz will only complicate the situation" and declined to comment on the possibility of Russia accepting the transfer of its uranium reserves from Iran to facilitate an agreement.
"At this time, we are focused on ending the war," he explained. "We will discuss any decisions related to the nuclear program and its materials later, when the time comes," he concluded.
Baqaei's remarks came after Trump indicated in a social media message that he "doesn't like" Iran's proposal.
The United States and Iran are engaged in a dialogue mediated by Pakistan, although differences in positions have so far prevented a second meeting in Islamabad, which hosted a first face-to-face meeting following the ceasefire agreement reached on April 8, which has since been extended indefinitely by Trump.
The blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and the recent attack and seizure of Iranian ships in the area by U.S. forces have been cited by Tehran as reasons for not attending the meeting in Islamabad, as it considers these actions a violation of the ceasefire that hinders the dialogue process.
Despite this, both countries maintain contact through the mediation of Islamabad.