Iran Defends Response to US Proposal as Tensions Rise

Tensions between the United States and Iran have escalated after President Donald Trump swiftly rejected Tehran’s response to a US peace proposal. The reaction has heightened concerns about a prolonged conflict and unsettled energy markets, with oil prices rising more than 3.5% on Monday.

Iran on Sunday presented its own proposal to end the more than 10-week war. Tehran called for an end to the US naval blockade, the lifting of sanctions, the release of frozen assets and guarantees that the US and Israel would not carry out further attacks.

The proposal also included demands for compensation for war damage and recognition of Iranian control over the Strait of Hormuz, one of the most sensitive flashpoints in the conflict. Before the war began on 28 February, roughly a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies passed through this route. Ongoing transport restrictions have therefore increased market uncertainty.

Trump dismissed the proposal in a brief post on Truth Social, calling it “totally unacceptable” without further elaboration.

Iran on Monday described its proposal as “generous and responsible”. Foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said Tehran was seeking both regional security and the restoration of free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

(reuters, max)