Iran Presents New Ceasefire Demands to US Amid Ongoing Backchannel Talks
TEHRAN: Fresh developments have emerged in the ongoing backchannel diplomacy between Iran and the United States, as Tehran has reportedly presented a series of new demands to Washington aimed at advancing the negotiation process.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said Tehran is pursuing negotiations with seriousness and goodwill, adding that official details regarding the talks will be disclosed by authorised officials at the appropriate time.
According to Iranian officials, Tehran wants the negotiations to include efforts to end regional tensions, restore frozen overseas Iranian assets, and guarantee the security of Iranian vessels operating along international maritime routes.
Iranian media reports claimed that recent messages exchanged by Washington and Tehran have helped narrow differences on several issues, although mutual trust between the two sides has not yet been fully restored.
Baghaei stated that Iran remains committed to diplomacy but still holds reservations due to past experiences. He added that Tehran seeks a ceasefire on multiple fronts, including in Lebanon, as part of broader efforts to reduce tensions across the region.
The spokesman also rejected circulating reports regarding Iran’s nuclear programme, saying some claims being discussed publicly are not based on facts. He noted that final details of the negotiations would be announced later by the relevant authorities and negotiating teams.
Meanwhile, Donald Trump said the United States remains engaged in talks with Iran, stressing that Washington’s top priority is preventing Tehran from obtaining nuclear weapons.
Trump also indicated that the US is maintaining a strict position regarding Iran’s enriched uranium stockpiles.
Separately, a senior Iranian official told a British news agency that no final agreement has yet been reached between Iran and the United States, although both countries have reduced some of their differences during recent negotiations.
The official added that issues related to uranium enrichment and Tehran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz continue to be major obstacles in the talks. Diplomatic efforts aimed at lowering regional tensions are continuing, but final breakthroughs on sensitive matters have yet to be achieved.