US Claims Negotiations Are Underway, Iran Still Rejects and Proposes New Conditions

The United States government states that peace talks with Iran are still underway. However, at the same time, Tehran rejects the negotiation invitation from President Donald Trump and proposes its own conditions to end the conflict. Citing Bloomberg on Thursday (26/3/2026), Trump said Iran actually wants to reach an agreement to end the conflict that has lasted nearly a month. “They really want to make a deal, but they’re afraid to say it,” Trump stated while speaking to Republican Party members in Congress on Wednesday (25/3/2026) evening Washington time. However, that statement contradicts Iran’s official stance conveyed through government media. Tehran rejects Trump’s push for negotiations and demands several guarantees, including halting attacks from the US and Israel, compensation for war damages, and recognition of its authority in the Strait of Hormuz. Ahead of the deadline set by Trump on Friday, the status of negotiations remains unclear. The US government is said to have prepared a peace proposal containing 15 points delivered to Iran through Pakistan. This step shows the Trump administration’s serious efforts to end the conflict that began with Israel nearly a month ago. However, the White House also warns against speculating on the details of the proposal. On the other hand, Vice President JD Vance is reportedly likely to travel to Pakistan this weekend to discuss Iran. However, the White House emphasises that the situation remains dynamic and no final decision has been made regarding the meeting. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) states that its air defence system responded to Iranian missile and drone threats early on Thursday. Meanwhile, Bahrain reports that Iranian attacks triggered a fire at a facility in Muharraq. Iran has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route through which around 20 percent of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas supplies pass. This closure has triggered global supply shocks. Fuel and fertiliser prices have surged, while commercial tankers avoid the area. Attacks on energy infrastructure have also heightened concerns about inflation spikes and potential global food crises.