Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei
Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baqaei, on Monday called on the United States to moderate its position, as negotiations remain stalled over ending the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Speaking during a briefing aired on state television, Baqaei said Iran’s immediate focus is to bring the war to an end.
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“At this point, our main objective is to stop the war,” he stated. “The other side needs to adopt a more balanced approach and drop its excessive demands regarding Iran.”
Talks between Washington and Iran have made little progress since a ceasefire came into effect on April 8, with only a single round of direct discussions held so far.
One of the major areas of disagreement remains Iran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz, which has significantly disrupted the flow of oil, gas, and fertiliser since the US and Israel carried out strikes on February 28. At the same time, Washington has enforced restrictions on Iranian ports.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that American forces would begin escorting vessels through the strategic waterway, a move that prompted warnings from Iran’s military.
“By now, the Americans should understand that threats and force will not work against the Iranian people,” Baqaei said.
He added that Iran sees itself as the protector of the Strait of Hormuz, describing it as a critical and secure route for global shipping prior to the conflict.
Baqaei further accused the United States and Israel of destabilising the waterway, urging the international community to hold both countries accountable for the resulting global disruptions.
He also revealed that Tehran had presented a 14-point proposal aimed at ending the conflict, noting that Washington had responded through Pakistani intermediaries prior to the US announcement on escorting ships.
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