Iran on Monday has called for the lifting of the US blockade and the unfreezing of its overseas assets as part of a new peace proposal, Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said on Monday.
He described Tehran’s latest offer to Washington as “reasonable and generous,” adding that Iran’s core demands include ending hostilities, removing restrictions, and restoring access to funds frozen in foreign banks under US pressure.
“Our demands are legitimate… ending the war, ending the blockade and piracy, and unfreezing Iran’s assets,” Baghaei said, noting that ensuring safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and regional security in West Asia were also part of the proposal.
He also warned that Iran had “not settled scores” with those who acted against the country, responding to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s comments that the war with Iran was not over.
Esmail Baghaei said that the country’s armed forces would respond “if given the opportunity.”
“We have not settled scores with those who acted against the Iranian people. If an opportunity is given to our armed forces, it will certainly be used in the best way,” he said.
Baghaei accused the US of continuing to make “unreasonable” demands, while reiterating that Iran remains a “responsible regional power” that opposes aggression.
On regional diplomacy, he said Iran is continuing to monitor the harassment of its citizens in the UAE and has instructed its diplomatic missions to take necessary action.
“We have handed down clear instructions to our embassies and consulates in Dubai, and here we are closely monitoring the situation in the UAE. Any action required within our power, we wouldn’t falter or hesitate in order to serve our people,” he said.
When asked about US sanctions on an Iraqi minister for his alleged connection with Iran, Baghaei said it was an “act of bullying”.
“Each and every country should act responsibly and with good governance. They should pay respect to other countries’ sovereignty. It is the right of the Iraqi people and officials to take whatever position is in their interests,” he said.
US President Donald Trump outrightly rejected Iran’s counter-proposal aimed at ending the months-long war and termed Tehran’s response “totally unacceptable”.
“I have just read the response from Iran’s so-called ‘Representatives.’ I don’t like it – TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE!” Trump wrote in a post on Monday.
The rebuke came as both sides, who have been trying to negotiate since April, are trying to reach a deal over Iran’s nuclear program and the terms of any potential ceasefire agreement.
