Negotiations Stalled, Iran Urges US to Stop Excessive Demands!
The Iranian government has urged the United States (US) to reduce its demands on Tehran, as negotiations between the two countries have stalled in efforts to end the war that has raged for the past two months.
The latest call, as reported by AFP on Monday (4/5/2026), was made by spokesman for the Iranian Foreign Ministry Esmaeil Baghaei during a briefing broadcast by Tehran’s state television on Monday (4/5).
“At this stage, our priority is to end the war,” Baghaei stated.
“The other side must commit to a reasonable approach and abandon their excessive demands regarding Iran,” he added sharply.
Negotiations between Tehran and Washington have been halted since a ceasefire was imposed on 8 April, with only one round of direct peace talks held so far, mediated by Pakistan.
That single negotiation failed to reach an agreement to permanently end the war.
One key sticking point is Iran’s grip on the Strait of Hormuz since the US and Israel launched large-scale attacks on 28 February. Tehran’s move to restrict passage through the Strait of Hormuz has choked the main global flows of oil, gas, and fertiliser.
The US retaliated by imposing a naval blockade on Iranian ports, in an effort to pressure Tehran into reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
On Sunday (3/5) local time, President Donald Trump stated that the US would “escort ships” out safely from the Strait of Hormuz. Trump’s statement provoked threats of attack from the Iranian military.
“Now, America should have learned that they cannot use the language of threats and violence against the Iranian nation,” Baghaei said in his statement.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran has shown that it considers itself the guardian and protector of the Strait of Hormuz and this vital waterway,” he added.
Baghaei emphasised that the Strait of Hormuz was an “safe and secure” international shipping route before the war broke out.
“The international community must hold the United States and the Zionist regime accountable for their actions that have caused insecurity in this waterway and created problems felt around the world,” he further stated, referring to Israel.