Iran said Monday that its existing two-day proposal to the United States remains the most practical framework for restoring security in the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, stressing that progress toward an agreement depends on Washington’s political willingness to resolve the ongoing crisis.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said the proposal provides a clear and time-bound roadmap for reducing tensions in the vital shipping corridor. He made the remarks during his weekly press conference, according to the semi-official Tasnim news agency.
Baqaei clarified that Tehran had not submitted any new proposal to Washington, emphasizing that its existing two-day plan remains on the negotiating table.
He said the proposal reflects Iran’s central role in maintaining security in the Strait of Hormuz and the wider Persian Gulf, arguing that restoring stability to international energy routes requires genuine diplomatic engagement from the United States.
According to Baqaei, Iran’s conditions include lifting the US naval blockade, ending the war, releasing frozen Iranian assets and removing sanctions imposed in recent months.
He claimed Washington had already accepted these demands under the 14-point Islamabad memorandum but subsequently violated its commitments, undermining diplomatic efforts to reach a lasting settlement.
The spokesman stressed that Iran would sign and implement only an agreement that fully safeguards its national interests and legal rights.
He also confirmed that Tehran remains in regular contact with mediators Pakistan and Qatar, expressing appreciation for their efforts to facilitate negotiations between Iran and the United States.
Addressing maritime security, Baqaei said all vessels seeking to transit the Strait of Hormuz must coordinate with Iranian authorities to ensure safe navigation.
He blamed the current insecurity in the waterway on US and Israeli military actions, insisting that Iranian forces remain prepared to respond to potential threats.
Baqaei warned that vessels attempting to use unsafe routes under American pressure or incentives could face accidents. He argued that maritime security could not be restored while Washington continued what Tehran describes as unlawful interference.
He also urged South Korea not to deploy naval forces to participate in efforts to reopen the strait, warning that such involvement could further complicate regional tensions.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most strategically important maritime chokepoints, serving as a major transit route for global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. Continued restrictions and military tensions have raised concerns about international energy supplies and shipping costs.
On nuclear issues, Baqaei reaffirmed that Iran remains a member of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and has not suspended its obligations to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
However, he said US and Israeli attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities had disrupted the normal implementation of safeguards arrangements, making cooperation with the agency under ordinary conditions difficult.
He criticized the IAEA Board of Governors and Director General Rafael Grossi, accusing them of failing to respond appropriately to the attacks.
Baqaei confirmed that IAEA inspectors had visited Iran’s Bushehr nuclear facility several days earlier. He added that Iran’s diplomatic mission in Vienna maintains regular professional communication with the agency.
Baqaei also discussed China’s diplomatic engagement, confirming that Beijing’s special envoy for Middle East affairs visited Tehran on Sunday for consultations on bilateral relations and regional security. The envoy is expected to visit other countries in the region as part of China’s diplomatic efforts.
Regarding Iraq, Baqaei said US pressure would not weaken the longstanding relationship between Tehran and Baghdad, describing the two countries as permanent neighbours with deep-rooted ties.
On Armenia, he said Iran had expressed concerns about the US-backed Trump Route project. According to Baqaei, Yerevan had assured Tehran that the initiative would neither change internationally recognised borders nor involve the deployment of American troops.
He also protested Azerbaijan’s decision to declare 14 Iranian nationals persona non grata, saying Tehran had summoned the Azerbaijani ambassador to formally convey its objections.
Responding to reports about a proposed US task force called “Iron Gate”, reportedly intended to restrict sanctioned trade and financial flows through Iran’s land borders and the Caspian Sea, Baqaei dismissed the initiative as another unsuccessful attempt to pressure Tehran.
He also criticized a reported US offer of a $20 million reward for information about Iran’s nuclear programme, describing it as evidence of Washington’s confusion over Tehran’s nuclear capabilities.
Baqaei further rejected Israeli allegations that Iran might use chemical weapons, calling the accusations baseless.
On American domestic politics, he claimed recent election results demonstrated public opposition to the war against Iran. However, he said Tehran would assess any US administration based on its actions rather than its political affiliation.
The remarks come amid continuing diplomatic efforts to revive the understanding reached between Iran and the United States through Pakistani mediation following the military conflict that began with US and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28.
The 14-point Islamabad memorandum, reached in June, established a framework for de-escalation, covering maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, sanctions relief and the cessation of hostilities.
However, disagreements over implementation and renewed military confrontations have prevented the arrangement from developing into a lasting settlement.
The continuing standoff has left commercial shipping through the strategic waterway exposed to restrictions and uncertainty, while diplomatic efforts remain focused on preventing further escalation.
Tehran’s latest position suggests that it is prepared to pursue negotiations but is unwilling to accept an agreement without guarantees addressing its security concerns, economic demands and national interests.
