Iran says US pushing ‘unreasonable demands’ in response to Tehran proposal

TEHRAN, Iran (MNTV) — Iran’s Foreign Ministry said Monday that the United States continues to insist on “unreasonable demands” influenced by Israel, while defending Tehran’s latest proposal to end the ongoing conflict as “reasonable and generous.”

Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei, speaking at his weekly press briefing, said Iran’s response to the U.S. proposal — sent to Pakistan on Sunday — did not seek concessions beyond what Tehran considers its legitimate rights.

“We did not demand any concessions. The only thing we have demanded is Iran’s legitimate rights,” Baghaei said.

He questioned whether Iran’s demands — including an end to the war in the region, a halt to attacks on Iranian shipping and the release of frozen Iranian assets — could reasonably be considered excessive.

“Is our proposal for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz unreasonable? Is establishing peace and security across the entire region irresponsible?” he said.

Baghaei said all elements of Iran’s proposal were intended to benefit both the region and the wider international community, but accused Washington of refusing to engage seriously with Tehran’s positions.

He said the U.S. administration continues to pursue demands shaped by “the mindset of the Israeli regime.”

U.S. President Donald Trump reacted sharply to Iran’s formal response, calling it “completely unacceptable.” Trump also told Axios he discussed Tehran’s reply with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Iran submitted its official response to the U.S. proposal Sunday and has repeatedly said negotiations at this stage will focus solely on ending the war in the region.

Baghaei also rejected U.S. accusations against Iran, describing the Islamic Republic as a “responsible” regional power that opposes bullying.

“It is enough to look at Iran’s record,” he said. “Were we the ones who deployed troops? Are we the ones bullying countries in the Western Hemisphere? Were we the ones who committed assassinations twice during negotiations?”

He added that the U.S. military presence in the region has itself contributed to a cycle of violence.

On relations with China, Baghaei said Tehran remains in close contact with Beijing as a strategic partner. He said Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi recently traveled to China and that Chinese officials are fully aware of Iran’s position regarding the conflict.

According to Baghaei, China views the U.S.-Israeli actions against Iran as part of a broader pattern of escalating unilateralism by Washington.

“Security in the Persian Gulf and West Asia is as important to China as it is to us,” he said.

Baghaei also warned European countries against becoming involved in the crisis following reports that some European states may send naval vessels to the region.

“We have conveyed very clearly that Europe should not allow the temptations of the U.S. and the Israeli regime to unintentionally drag them into a crisis from which they will gain nothing,” he said.

He said countries concerned with international peace and security should instead pressure the side responsible for disrupting navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

Addressing Bahrain’s revocation of citizenship from citizens accused of sympathizing with Iran, Baghaei condemned the move as a “flagrant violation of human rights.”

He described citizenship revocation as “a medieval punishment” that violates fundamental human rights principles.

“We have clearly stated our positions in line with respecting human dignity, and Bahrain’s actions are against human rights,” he said.