Negotiations to de-escalate tensions in the Persian Gulf remain deadlocked, rejecting the latest US proposal, which the country’s state media described as a demand for “unconditional surrender”.
In its official response to Washington, Tehran laid out a set of inviolable conditions, demanding the payment of war reparations and recognition of its full sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz. At the same time, the Iranian leadership insists on the universal lifting of sanctions and the immediate release of state assets that remain tied up in foreign financial institutions.
Iranian President Massoud Pezheskian has adopted particularly provocative rhetoric, making it clear on social media that his country has no intention of backing down under pressure. Mr. Pezeskian stressed that participation in any dialogue process should not be misinterpreted as an intention to surrender, stressing that Iran will not “bow down” to its adversaries.
Tehran rejects the proposal for the nuclear program
For his part, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in an interview with the network, explained that the operations have not been completed, noting that “there is still a lot to be done”. Mr. Netanyahu pointed out that Iran is keeping its enriched uranium stockpile and infrastructure intact, while continuing to strengthen regional allies and develop its ballistic missile program.
According to a report by , Tehran has rejected American demands on its nuclear program, counter-proposing an alternative process. That proposal involves diluting some of the highly enriched uranium and transferring the rest to a third country, with the express provision that the material would be returned if the US unilaterally withdrew from a potential deal.
Although Iran is reported to accept the enrichment freeze, the length of time remains a sticking point, as it rejects Washington’s proposed 20-year moratorium, as well as the dismantling of its nuclear facilities.
Trump’s crucial meeting with Xi Jinping
The attention of international diplomacy is now turning to Beijing, where Donald Trump’s upcoming meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to bring the Iranian crisis into focus. Washington is seeking Chinese pressure on Tehran to open the Strait of Hormuz, but Beijing’s willingness to act as a lever remains in question.
Analysts, such as Ben Emmons of Fed Watch Advisors, estimate that the most likely outcome is a “controlled de-escalation”, which may be limited to a general joint statement to secure the international flow of oil. Although China desires stability in the region, it is unlikely to make concessions that would undermine its strategic partnership with Iran. The recent visit of the Iranian Foreign Minister to Beijing confirmed the close ties between the two sides, with the Chinese leadership urging a diplomatic solution, but avoiding adopting the American agenda.
