Iran Rejects US Peace Proposal as ‘One-Sided’ Amid Ongoing Conflict
A senior Iranian official has characterized a recent US proposal aimed at ending nearly four weeks of conflict as “one-sided and unfair.” This statement was made on Thursday, coinciding with US President Donald Trump’s assertion that Iran must either negotiate a deal or face continued military pressure.
The Iranian official indicated that the proposal, which was communicated to Tehran through Pakistan, was thoroughly reviewed by senior Iranian officials and representatives of Iran’s Supreme Leader on Wednesday night. The official criticized the proposal for lacking essential elements necessary for a successful resolution, claiming it primarily served US and Israeli interests. Despite the absence of a viable peace plan, the official emphasized that diplomatic efforts had not ceased.
Trump acknowledged the negotiating skills of the Iranian leadership but expressed skepticism about his willingness to reach an agreement to conclude the war. The conflict escalated following US and Israeli military actions against Iran on February 28, prompting Iran to retaliate with strikes against Israeli targets, US military bases, and Gulf states.
During a Cabinet meeting at the White House, Trump stated that Iran has an opportunity to abandon its nuclear ambitions and pursue a new path. He warned that failure to engage in negotiations would result in severe consequences for Iran. His remarks came as the humanitarian and economic impacts of the conflict intensified, leading to global fuel shortages and prompting nations and companies to respond to the crisis.
Maximalist Positions
US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff confirmed that the US had delivered a “15-point action list” as a framework for negotiations aimed at ending the conflict. He noted signs that Tehran might be open to discussions. Pakistan’s foreign minister reported that “indirect talks” between the US and Iran were ongoing, facilitated by messages relayed through Islamabad, with Turkey and Egypt also involved in mediation efforts.
However, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi dismissed these efforts as insufficient for negotiations. He reiterated that Iran’s current strategy is to maintain resistance and defend its sovereignty, with no intention of entering negotiations at this time. Any potential talks would likely face significant challenges given the entrenched positions of both parties.
Sources indicate that the US proposal includes demands such as dismantling Iran’s nuclear program, limiting its missile capabilities, and transferring control of the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has responded by hardening its stance, insisting on guarantees against future military actions, compensation for damages incurred during the conflict, and formal control over the Strait. Additionally, Iran has communicated that any ceasefire agreement must include Lebanon.
Trump has not clarified who the US is negotiating with in Iran, especially following the deaths of numerous high-ranking officials during the ongoing conflict. The Supreme Leader of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed on the first day of hostilities and was succeeded by his son Mojtaba, who has not been publicly seen since his appointment.
A Western diplomat noted that the US has adopted a “maximalist” approach, raising questions about whether Washington is genuinely seeking to end the conflict or merely buying time to stabilize markets in anticipation of a potential ground operation.
Waves of Missiles
On Thursday, Iran launched multiple missile strikes targeting Israel, activating air raid sirens in Tel Aviv and other regions, resulting in injuries to at least five individuals. In Iran, missile strikes impacted residential areas in Bandar Abbas and a village near Shiraz, where two teenage brothers were reported killed. Additionally, a university building in Isfahan was struck.
Israeli officials reported that they had successfully targeted and killed the naval commander of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, asserting that many more targets remain as they continue to degrade Iranian military capabilities. However, following Pakistan’s intervention, Israel removed Araqchi and Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf from its target list, urging Washington to prevent attacks on potential negotiating partners.
Stock Rally Fades, Oil Prices Resume Rise
Optimism regarding a resolution to the conflict, which had previously buoyed global stock markets, diminished on Thursday as oil prices surged once more. The ongoing war has triggered the most severe energy crisis in history, with repercussions extending far beyond the immediate region.
The Strait of Hormuz, a crucial passage for approximately one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas, remains effectively closed, causing widespread disruption across various sectors, including plastics, airlines, technology, retail, and tourism. Governments are beginning to consider support measures reminiscent of those implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic. Farmers are struggling to secure diesel for agricultural operations, and the World Food Programme warns that tens of millions more individuals may face acute hunger if the conflict persists into June.
Missile and drone exchanges across the Gulf continued on Thursday, further escalating tensions in the region.
Source: www.arnnewscentre.ae
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Published on 2026-03-26 19:16:00 • By the Editorial Desk
