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DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Iran has presented a proposal to the United States, urging that outstanding issues be resolved within 30 days, with the goal
of ending the ongoing war rather than merely extending the current ceasefire. This information was reported by Iran's state-affiliated media. On Saturday, President Donald Trump acknowledged he was evaluating the new Iranian proposal but expressed skepticism about its potential to result in a conclusive agreement.
Details of Iran's Proposal
Iran's 14-point proposal emphasizes a cessation of hostilities, seeking to replace the truce with a formal end to the conflict. This response counters the U.S. nine-point plan and includes demands for the U.S. to lift sanctions on Iran, terminate the naval blockade, withdraw its military forces from the region, and halt all military actions, including those involving Israel in Lebanon, according to the semi-official Nour News agency.The Iranian government reportedly transmitted its response through a Pakistani intermediary, which has previously facilitated negotiations between the two nations.
Earlier this week, Trump dismissed a prior Iranian proposal, but diplomatic discussions have persisted, and the fragile ceasefire, now in its third week, appears to remain intact.
Iran's Stance on the Strait of Hormuz
On Sunday, Iran's Deputy Parliament Speaker Ali Nikzad asserted that the nation would not compromise its position regarding the Strait of Hormuz. He emphasized that Iran would not revert to conditions that existed before the conflict.Nikzad stated, “The Strait of Hormuz belongs to the Islamic Republic of Iran,” and added that efforts are underway to assist businesses affected by the war. He dismissed Trump's blockade plan as doomed to failure.
He reiterated that vessels not linked to the U.S. or Israel could navigate the strait after paying a toll, while the U.S. has warned shipping companies of potential sanctions for any payments made to Iran, including through digital currencies.
Following the onset of hostilities on February 28, Iran restricted access to the strait by targeting ships, though it later allowed some vessels safe passage along routes nearer to its coastline, often charging fees.
In response, the U.S. implemented a naval blockade of Iranian ports starting April 13, significantly impacting Tehran's oil revenue and further straining its economy.
Economic Impact in Iran
On the second day of Iran's workweek, the national currency, the rial, continued its decline against the U.S. dollar. In Tehran's Ferdowsi Street, the primary currency exchange area, the dollar was valued at 1,840,000 rials. Analysts predict the rial may weaken further in the near future.In December, the rial was trading at 1.3 million to the dollar, marking a record low and sparking widespread protests over the deteriorating economic conditions. Tehran's markets remain volatile, with daily price increases reported for various goods.
Recent Iranian media reports indicate that numerous factories have not renewed contracts with workers following the Iranian New Year holidays, resulting in significant job losses.
Yousef Pezeshkian, an adviser to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, stated via Telegram that both the U.S. and Iran perceive themselves as victors of the conflict and are reluctant to yield.
Calls for Medical Care for Imprisoned Iranian Laureate
The Norwegian Nobel Committee has urged Iranian authorities to promptly transfer jailed Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi for necessary medical treatment in Tehran, citing a significant decline in her health.The committee has communicated with Mohammadi's family and legal representatives, expressing concern for her life without access to her medical team in Tehran.
Reports indicate that Mohammadi fainted twice in prison on Friday in Zanjan and was subsequently hospitalized. Her legal team has suggested she may have suffered a heart attack in late March.
Jørgen Watne Frydnes, chair of the Nobel Committee, stated, “Narges Mohammadi is imprisoned solely for her peaceful human rights work. Her life is now in the hands of the Iranian authorities.”
Mohammadi, 53, a human rights attorney and the 2023 Nobel laureate, was arrested in December during a visit to Mashhad and subsequently sentenced to an additional seven years in prison.
