Iran says it is reviewing US response to 14-point proposal
Tensions between Iran and the United States remain high, as both sides continue to exchange proposals and warnings without formally entering negotiations.
On Sunday, Iran confirmed that it had received a response from the US regarding its 14-point proposal, which had been delivered through Pakistan acting as a mediator. Iranian state media reported that officials are currently reviewing the US reply. However, Iran’s foreign ministry clarified that no official nuclear negotiations are taking place at this stage, signaling ongoing uncertainty in diplomatic efforts.
At the same time, the powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) issued a strong warning to Donald Trump. According to the IRGC, the US president is left with only two difficult options: either engage in what they described as an “impossible” war with Iran or accept what they called a “bad deal.” The IRGC also claimed that Iran had given a deadline to the US military to lift its naval blockade of Iranian ports. It further suggested that global powers like Europe, China, and Russia are increasingly critical of Washington’s stance, reducing America’s room for maneuver.
President Trump, speaking a day earlier, acknowledged that he had been briefed on the concept of a possible deal with Iran but said he was still waiting to see the exact details. He expressed skepticism, stating that he doubted the proposal would be acceptable and argued that Iran had not faced sufficient consequences for its actions.
When asked whether the US might resume military strikes against Iran, Trump avoided giving a direct commitment but made it clear that such action remains possible. He warned that if Iran “misbehaves” or escalates tensions, military action could be reconsidered.
In a controversial remark, Trump also described the actions of the US Navy during the conflict as being “like pirates,” referring to the seizure of Iranian-linked ships and their cargo. He noted that these operations, which include taking control of oil shipments, have been economically beneficial.
Meanwhile, Iranian officials have responded with their own warnings. A senior military spokesperson stated that renewed conflict with the United States remains a real possibility, accusing Washington of failing to honor past agreements. He added that Iran has prepared “surprise measures” that could go beyond what the US expects.
Iran has also taken a firm stance on the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global energy supplies. Iranian authorities emphasized their control over the region and stated that it would remain a key source of national strength and regional security.
Despite the escalating rhetoric, Iran has indicated that it is still open to diplomacy. Iranian officials stated that negotiations could resume if the United States changes its approach. Trump, however, has repeatedly insisted that Iran must never acquire nuclear weapons and has rejected the latest proposal as insufficient.
According to reports, Iran’s proposal includes several major demands:
- Lifting the US naval blockade
- Withdrawal of US forces from nearby regions
- Release of frozen Iranian assets
- Removal of sanctions
- Compensation for damages
- A broader end to conflicts, including in Lebanon
- New mechanisms to regulate the Strait of Hormuz
In return, Iran has suggested reopening the Strait of Hormuz to global shipping before addressing its nuclear program, postponing nuclear negotiations to a later stage. Iranian officials believe this approach could help build trust and create better conditions for a final agreement.
The conflict, which saw military strikes earlier in the year, has already caused massive disruption. Although the United States and Israel paused their bombing campaign about four weeks ago, no lasting agreement has been reached. The situation has severely impacted global energy markets, as the Strait of Hormuz accounts for roughly 20% of the world’s oil and gas supply, contributing to rising fuel prices worldwide.
Domestically, Trump is also under pressure. Higher energy costs have become a political issue in the US, especially with upcoming elections, increasing the urgency to resolve the crisis.
Under Iran’s proposed framework, the war would officially end with guarantees that neither the US nor Israel would launch further attacks. In exchange, Iran would reopen key shipping routes, and the US would lift its blockade. Only after these steps would negotiations resume on limiting Iran’s nuclear activities, with Tehran insisting on its right to maintain a peaceful nuclear program.
For now, both sides remain far apart, and while diplomacy is still on the table, the risk of renewed conflict continues to loom.