Iran has rejected proposals put forward by the United States during indirect negotiations, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said, citing what Tehran described as excessive and unacceptable demands from Washington.
Speaking about the recent diplomatic contacts, Gharibabadi said the talks initially began in Islamabad through intermediaries. According to him, the US side presented a plan that included demands Iran could not accept, prompting the Iranian delegation to reject the proposal outright.
Gharibabadi said Washington had warned that rejecting the plan would effectively end the negotiations and lead to the withdrawal of the US delegation. He added that the talks ultimately ended in exactly that manner, with the American delegation leaving the discussions.
The Iranian deputy foreign minister stressed that Tehran neither insisted on continuing the negotiations nor asked the US delegation to remain at the table. He described Iran’s position as an example of what he called “dignified diplomacy,” arguing that Tehran would not compromise on what it considers its fundamental principles.
Gharibabadi also discussed developments surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, a vital international shipping route. He said diplomatic discussions also took place in Oman after Iran moved to close the strait.
According to the Iranian official, an Omani delegation proposed keeping a southern route open to allow ships to pass while Iran and Oman continued discussions. The proposal reportedly suggested that the route could later be closed depending on the outcome of the talks. However, Gharibabadi said Iran did not accept the proposal.
He maintained that Iran had made its position clear from the beginning of the conflict and would not agree to arrangements that it believes undermine its stated principles.
Gharibabadi further said Iran’s policy of keeping the Strait of Hormuz closed remains unchanged. He presented the decision as another example of Tehran’s approach to what he described as “dignified diplomacy,” signalling that Iran intends to maintain its position despite continued diplomatic efforts and international pressure.
