Iran says its proposal was generous as US insists on ‘unreasonable demands’

Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei says Iran's proposal for ending the recent war was reasonable, as the United States continues to insist on "unreasonable demands" shaped by the Israeli regime.

Speaking at his weekly press briefing on Monday, Baghaei responded to questions regarding the reaction of the US administration to Iran's proposal.

"We did not demand any concessions. The only thing we have demanded is Iran's legitimate rights," Baghaei said.

Is it unreasonable for Iran to demand an end to the war in the region, a halt to maritime piracy against Iranian ships, and the release of assets belonging to the Iranian people that have been unjustly blocked for years, Baghaei asked.

"Is our proposal for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz unreasonable? Is establishing peace and security across the entire region irresponsible?" Baghaei said.

"Everything we proposed in the plan was reasonable and generous, and it is for the good of the region and the world," he further said. 

He expressed regret that the American side, based on a mindset shaped by the Israeli regime, continues to insist on unreasonable demands.

Baghaei added that all of Iran's points were supposed to be discussed, but the US side has so far refused to engage with them in good faith.

US President Donald Trump reacted angrily to Tehran's formal response to the American side, calling it "completely unacceptable."

Trump also told Axios in an interview that he has discussed Iran's response with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The Islamic Republic of Iran submitted its response to the American side's proposed text earlier on Sunday.

Tehran has repeatedly emphasized that at this stage, negotiations will only focus on ending the war in the region.

Iran proven a responsible, anti-bully power in region

Regarding the US accusations against Iran, Baghaei said, Iran has proven to be a responsible power in the region, and at the same time, it is anti-bullying. 

“It is enough to look at Iran's record. Were we the ones who deployed troops? Are we the ones bullying countries in the Western Hemisphere? Were we the ones who committed assassinations twice during negotiations?” he added. 

He further noted that the very presence of the US in the region is itself an example of creating a cycle of violence.

Iran in contact with China as strategic partner

Regarding Trump's trip to China, Baghaei said, Trump’s China trip is a bilateral matter and is their own business. 

“We are in contact with China as a strategic partner. Our foreign minister traveled to China, and the Chinese are aware of our positions,” he stressed. 

According to Baghaei, China knows that the US-Israeli aggression against Iran is not merely an incident but rather part of a global process to escalate unilateralism by the United States. 

“Security in the Persian Gulf and West Asia is as important to China as it is to us,” he said, adding that Chinese friends certainly know how to use opportunities to warn against lawlessness.

Europeans should not fall into US-Israeli temptations

Regarding the approach of some European countries to send naval vessels to the region, Baghaei said, “We have conveyed very clearly that Europe should not allow the temptations of the US and the Israeli regime to unintentionally drag them into a crisis from which they will gain nothing.”

He added that European countries should not allow US pressures to become, at least openly, part of actions against international peace and security. 

He further stated that any country believing in responsible behavior regarding international peace and security should direct pressure toward the party that disrupted navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

Bahrain's citizenship revocations in violation of human rights

In response to the revocation of citizenship of Bahraini citizens on the pretext of sympathizing with Iran, Baghaei said, the actions that Bahrain has taken in the past two months against those who have shown sympathy with Iran constitute a flagrant violation of human rights. 

He reiterated that the revocation of citizenship is “a medieval punishment that has been obsolete for years and is contrary to fundamental principles of human rights.”

“We have clearly stated our positions in line with respecting human dignity, and Bahrain's actions are against human rights,” he emphasized.

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