March 26, Kathmandu – Iran has stated that it is reviewing a proposal from the United States aimed at ending the war in the Gulf region. However, Tehran has made it clear that there is currently no intention to engage in negotiations to reduce ongoing regional conflicts.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi conveyed this position. According to him, there are indications that Iran could be prepared for talks if its demands are met, as reported by Reuters.
“This differs from the initial negative reaction, since Iranian officials had previously publicly rejected the possibility of talks with the United States,” Reuters noted.
Iran’s Foreign Minister: Iran Does Not Want War
Speaking to state television, Araghchi explained that Iran’s top leadership is considering the U.S. proposal but rejected the possibility of direct dialogue. “Exchanging messages through intermediaries is not the same as negotiating directly with the United States,” he said.
He acknowledged that Washington has been sending messages through various intermediaries but made it clear that Tehran does not view these as formal negotiations. “Some proposals have come via messages, which have been forwarded to the highest authorities. If necessary, an official position will be announced,” he added.
Araghchi emphasized that Iran does not want a protracted conflict but seeks a permanent solution on its own terms. “Iran does not want war; it desires a lasting end to this conflict,” he stated.
Iran Calls for Inclusion of Lebanon in Any Agreement
According to Reuters, Iran has informed mediators that Lebanon must also be included in any ceasefire agreement.
Reportedly conveyed through Pakistan, former U.S. President Donald Trump’s 15-point proposal to Iran includes demands to dismantle Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile, halt uranium enrichment, limit ballistic missile programs, and cease economic support for regional allies, according to sources.
Trump claimed at an event in Washington that Iranian leaders are engaged in talks. “They want to make a deal but are afraid to say so openly because they fear their own people. They also fear us,” Trump stated.
The conflict in West Asia, which began after joint U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran, has now entered its fourth week, disrupting trade in the Strait of Hormuz shipping lane. Tensions escalated further following the February 28 joint assault by the U.S. and Israel, which reportedly resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
In response, Iran has targeted U.S. and Israeli sites in various Gulf countries, creating additional obstacles in shipping routes and impacting international energy markets and the global economy.
Attacks on energy infrastructure and restrictions on passage through the Strait of Hormuz have caused oil prices to rise, increasing international pressure, especially on the U.S. and its allies, to seek a resolution, reports indicate.
