On Monday, Iran firmly stated that it will not engage in talks with the United States as long as Washington continues to issue ultimatums. This stance heightens tensions just hours before President Donald Trump's deadline for Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz expires.
"Negotiations are completely incompatible with ultimatums, crimes, or threats of war crimes," declared Ismail Bagaei, the spokesperson for Iran's Foreign Ministry, during a press conference in Tehran as reported by the BBC.
Bagaei also dismissed the idea of a temporary ceasefire, which he described as merely a "pause to regroup and rearm to continue the crime," according to EFE.
He clarified that the 15-point plan sent by Washington through mediators was "in no way acceptable" to Iran. Bagaei announced that Tehran has crafted its own counterproposal based on its interests and non-negotiable points.
"From the beginning, we have been clear about our goals and the lines we will not cross," Bagaei stated, as quoted by the state news agency IRNA. He added that Iran will reveal the details of its response "in due course."
Iran's position calls for a complete end to the conflict with guarantees against recurrence, cessation of targeted killings, compensation for damages, and the recognition of its authority over the Strait of Hormuz.
The announcement coincides with reports from Axios, citing four U.S., Israeli, and regional sources, which suggest that terms of a potential 45-day ceasefire, divided into two phases, are being discussed through Pakistani, Egyptian, and Turkish mediators. Direct messages between Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi are also reportedly taking place.
For the mediators, the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and a resolution regarding Iran's highly enriched uranium are crucial for any agreement.
However, Iran remains intent on extending its control over the strait beyond the conflict and is preparing legislation to impose a toll system on ships wishing to pass through.
Trump threatened on Monday to unleash severe consequences if Iran does not reopen the passage by 8:00 PM on Tuesday, April 7, Washington time. In an interview with Channel 12, he expressed that deep negotiations with Tehran are ongoing and that he is hopeful for a timely agreement.
The conflict is part of Operation Epic Fury, a joint effort by the United States and Israel aimed at dismantling Iran's nuclear program. The operation has resulted in over 5,000 targets being struck, including nuclear facilities in Natanz, Isfahan, and Fordow.
Sources consulted by Axios describe the chances of reaching an agreement as slim, viewing it as the last opportunity to prevent a dramatic escalation before the ultimatum expires.
Key Questions on Iran-U.S. Tensions
What is Iran's stance on negotiations with the U.S.?
Iran refuses to engage in talks with the U.S. as long as Washington issues ultimatums, emphasizing that negotiations cannot coexist with threats or crimes.
What are the terms being discussed for a potential ceasefire?
Discussions involve a possible 45-day ceasefire in two phases, facilitated by mediators from Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey, with key conditions including the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and addressing Iran's enriched uranium.
What are Iran's demands in the ongoing conflict?
Iran demands an end to the conflict with guarantees against recurrence, cessation of targeted killings, compensation for damages, and recognition of its control over the Strait of Hormuz.