Iran Weighs US Peace Offer Amid War and Blockade, But Demands Remain a Stumbling Block

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei announced on May 4 that Tehran has received a US response to its 14-point peace proposal aimed at ending the war and is currently reviewing it. Speaking at a news conference cited by state-run IRNA, Baqaei said Iran will share its views through Pakistani mediation once it reaches a conclusion.

However, Baqaei sharply criticized the US for making what he called "excessive and unreasonable demands," warning that this complicates the review process. He dismissed media speculation about negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program as premature, emphasizing that the current focus remains solely on achieving a complete end to the war.

The conflict escalated dramatically on February 28 when US and Israeli forces launched strikes against Iran, prompting Tehran to retaliate against Israel and US allies in the Gulf. The war has since disrupted global oil routes, including the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for maritime traffic.

In response, the US imposed a naval blockade on Iranian shipping in the Strait of Hormuz starting April 13, intensifying economic pressure on Tehran. A two-week ceasefire brokered by Pakistan began on April 8, followed by direct talks in Islamabad on April 11. Despite these efforts, no lasting agreement was reached, and the ceasefire was extended indefinitely at Pakistan’s request, with no new deadline set by US President Donald Trump.

This ongoing stalemate reveals the Trump administration’s strategy of military escalation combined with diplomatic brinkmanship, using foreign conflict as a distraction from domestic scandals and to consolidate power. Iran’s cautious reception of the US proposal and its accusations of unreasonable demands suggest that any resolution will require significant concessions, which appear unlikely under current conditions.

As the war grinds on, the risks to regional stability and global economic security grow. The US blockade and strikes have deepened hostilities rather than fostering trust, underscoring the urgent need for transparent, accountable diplomacy—something the Trump administration has repeatedly failed to deliver. We will continue to monitor how this high-stakes conflict unfolds and hold those responsible accountable for the consequences of their actions.