US President Donald Trump said Iranian negotiators were “begging” for a deal, asserting that the country had been “militarily obliterated,” while brushing aside Tehran’s public stance that it is only reviewing Washington’s proposal.
Describing Iranian negotiators as “very different” and “strange,” he said they were “begging” for a deal, something he argued they should be doing after being “militarily obliterated” with “zero chance of a comeback”, even as they publicly maintained they were only “looking at our proposal.” “WRONG!!!” he added in a Truth Social post on Thursday.
“They better get serious soon, before it is too late, because once that happens, there is NO TURNING BACK, and it won’t be pretty,” said Trump.
Iran rejects Trump’s proposal
The comments come against the backdrop of mixed signals from Washington and Tehran over attempts to end the ongoing conflict. Trump has repeatedly suggested that a deal is within reach, even after Iran turned down a 15-point ceasefire proposal put forward by the US.
In its first response to the plan, Tehran termed the 15-point proposal “excessive” and put forward a fresh set of demands, including sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz.
Citing Iranian officials, state media outlet Press TV reported that Tehran has outlined five fresh demands, including compensation for the war initiated by the US and Israel, a complete halt to hostilities against Iran and regional resistance groups, among others.
Iran’s state-run Press TV said the country will end the war on its own terms, asserting that it will not allow US President Donald Trump to dictate the timing of its conclusion.
Iran’s demands
According to Press TV, Iranian officials have outlined five key demands that must be met for the ongoing conflict to come to an end.
- A total cessation of “aggression and assassinations” by the enemy.
- The creation of firm mechanisms to ensure the war is not imposed again on the Islamic Republic.
- Assured and clearly defined payment of war damages and reparations.
- The end of the war across all fronts and for all resistance groups involved across the region.
- Iran’s assertion of sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz is, and will continue to be, a legitimate and inherent right. It serves as a safeguard for ensuring the fulfillment of the other party’s obligations and must be acknowledged.
