A senior spokesperson for Iran’s Foreign Ministry downplayed U.S. President Donald Trump’s immediate dismissal of Tehran’s response to an American peace plan, saying Iran is not "concerned with the satisfaction of others" and will pursue its national interests as needed, according to a report.
Message from Tehran
Esmail Baghaei, speaking for the Foreign Ministry, said Iran will take the measures required to secure its "national interests and legitimate rights," and that it may act "with fighting or diplomacy with goodwill and in a reasonable manner." Baghaei also told state broadcaster IRIB that Tehran could delay decisions on its nuclear program until "the time is right" if that helped produce an "urgent" end to the war.
Iranian state television said Tehran had submitted a response to the U.S. proposal to end a conflict that has lasted more than two months. The reply reportedly focuses on ending the fighting on all fronts and includes demands for compensation for damage caused by the war.
Control of a critical waterway
In its response, Iran stressed that it controls the Strait of Hormuz, the strategic shipping lane off the country’s southern coast through which roughly a fifth of the world’s oil flows. The strait has been largely closed since the onset of the conflict and, according to the report, is now blockaded by both the U.S. and Iran.
U.S. reaction and broader posture
Within hours of Iran’s apparent counteroffer, President Trump posted on social media: "I don’t like it - TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE." No further details were provided. Separately, the U.S. has proposed a plan to end the war quickly and then proceed to more detailed negotiations on core issues, especially Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
Analysts at Vital Knowledge noted that the White House "remains very reluctant to escalate and will continue to keep the process steered in the direction of a 'deal.'"
Market reactions
Markets reacted to the developments: oil prices rose on Monday, with Brent crude futures, the global benchmark, trading above $100 a barrel. The surge in crude since the conflict began has heightened concerns about increasing inflationary pressures in countries worldwide and the potential for slower global growth.
Implications and next steps
Tehran’s posture, as articulated by its Foreign Ministry, combines readiness for negotiation with a firm assertion of strategic leverage, particularly over the Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. approach, according to the cited analysts, appears aimed at avoiding escalation while pushing toward a negotiated settlement. How both sides reconcile those positions, and whether the prospect of delayed nuclear decisions can be used to achieve an immediate cessation of hostilities, remains uncertain based on the information currently available.
Key takeaways:
- Iran said it will pursue national interests through fighting or diplomacy and is not focused on pleasing other parties.
- Tehran’s reply to the U.S. plan calls for an end to fighting on all fronts and seeks compensation for war damage.
- Control of the Strait of Hormuz was highlighted; the strait, carrying roughly a fifth of global oil, has been effectively shut and is reported to be blockaded by both the U.S. and Iran.