Iran demands lifting of blockade in response to US peace proposal

Tehran (ANTARA) - Iran has stated that its response to the United States’ peace proposal includes demands for the lifting of the US blockade and the release of Iran’s frozen assets, according to Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei. “Our demands are legitimate. We demand an end to the war, the termination of the blockade and piracy, and the unfreezing of Iran’s assets that have been unfairly frozen in banks due to US pressure,” Baghaei said during a press conference on Monday. He added that Iran also demands guarantees for the safety of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, as well as the establishment of security in the region and Lebanon. Baghaei also stated that Iran does not rule out holding talks with the United States on nuclear issues in the future. “At this stage, our focus is on stopping the war. Decisions regarding nuclear issues, Iran’s nuclear materials, uranium enrichment, and other options will be discussed in due time,” he said. On 28 February, the United States and Israel attacked Iran, causing damage and civilian casualties. On 7 April, Washington and Tehran announced a two-week ceasefire. However, follow-up negotiations in Islamabad ended without results, prompting US President Donald Trump to extend the cessation of hostilities to give Iran time to prepare a “comprehensive proposal.”