Iran Prioritizes Ending War, Asks US to Stop Excessive Demands

JAKARTA - Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said on Monday, the United States must reduce its demands on Tehran, as negotiations stalled on ending the two-month-old Middle East war.

"At this stage, our priority is to end the war," he said in a briefing broadcast by state television, AFP reported (4/5).

"Other parties must commit to a reasonable approach and stop their excessive demands regarding Iran," he said.

Negotiations between the two countries have stalled since a ceasefire took effect on April 8, with only one round of direct peace talks having been held so far.

One of the key points that is a hindrance is Iran's grip on the Strait of Hormuz since the US and Israel launched an attack on February 28, which strangled the main flow of oil, gas, and fertilizer, while the United States has imposed a blockade on Iranian ports.

But US President Donald Trump said on Sunday Washington would begin escorting ships through the waterway, which poses a threat of attack from the Iranian military.

"America should have learned that they cannot use the language of threats and violence against the Iranian nation," Baghaei said.

"The Islamic Republic of Iran has shown that they consider themselves the guardians and protectors of the Strait of Hormuz and this vital waterway," he said.

He said the strait was a "safe and secure passage" for international shipping before the war.

"The international community must hold the United States and the Zionist regime accountable for their actions that create insecurity in these waterways and for the problems felt around the world," he added, referring to Israel.

Baghaei told state television before Trump's announcement of the escort plan that Tehran had put forward a 14-point proposal "focused on ending the war," and that Washington had responded in a message to Pakistani mediators.