A senior Iranian official has sharply criticized a United States proposal aimed at ending the ongoing conflict, calling it “one-sided and unfair,” even as Tehran signaled it remains open to continued diplomatic engagement.
The U.S. plan, which reportedly outlines multiple steps toward de-escalation, has drawn early resistance from Iranian leadership. According to the official, the proposal fails to meet Tehran’s minimum expectations and places disproportionate demands on Iran without offering clear or sufficient concessions in return.
“The proposal is one-sided and does not serve Iran’s interests,” the official said, underscoring concerns that the framework heavily favors Washington’s position.
At the center of the disagreement are provisions that would require Iran to scale back aspects of its military and defensive capabilities. In exchange, the proposal is said to offer sanctions relief, though Iranian officials argue that such incentives are vague and lack concrete guarantees.
“There is no balance in what is being offered and what is being demanded,” the official added.
The diplomatic standoff comes as Iran has tightened its control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a vital global shipping lane through which roughly a fifth of the world’s oil supply passes. Recent disruptions and restrictions in the waterway have raised global concerns over energy security and trade flows.
Iran has indicated that passage through the strait may be restricted for vessels linked to its adversaries, effectively increasing pressure on the United States and its allies.
The ongoing tensions in the strait have already disrupted shipments and driven volatility in global energy markets, highlighting the broader economic stakes tied to the conflict.
Despite the criticism of the U.S. proposal, Tehran has not rejected diplomacy outright. Iranian leaders are continuing to review the plan, and backchannel communications remain active through regional intermediaries.
“The door to diplomacy remains open, but the approach must change,” the official said, indicating that Iran would be willing to engage if a more equitable framework is presented.
At present, there are no confirmed direct negotiations between Washington and Tehran. Instead, countries such as Turkey and Pakistan are believed to be facilitating indirect exchanges in an effort to keep dialogue alive.
The latest developments underscore a fragile moment in the conflict, where escalating economic pressure, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz, coexists with cautious signals that diplomacy remains possible.
