Iran Ceasefire Talks Stall as US Sets Harsh Terms

Iranian media reported on Sunday that the United States presented a set of five demanding conditions in response to Tehran's proposed agenda for negotiations to end the ongoing war, which began with joint US-Israeli strikes on February 28, 2026. According to the Fars news agency, Washington's demands included requiring Iran to operate only one nuclear site, transferring its stockpile of highly enriched uranium to the US, and refusing to release even 25 percent of Iran's frozen assets abroad or pay any reparations for war damages. The US also conditioned the cessation of hostilities on all fronts on the commencement of negotiations. The ceasefire, in effect since April 8, remains fragile as negotiations stall. In its proposal, Iran had demanded an end to the war on all fronts, including Israel's military campaign in Lebanon which has claimed nearly 3,000 lives since March 2, as well as a halt to the US naval blockade on Iranian ports that has been in place since April 13. Tehran also called for the lifting of all US sanctions and the release of frozen assets abroad, while insisting it would retain control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy corridor through which approximately 20 percent of the world's oil supply passes and which Iran has largely kept closed since the start of the conflict. The escalation in rhetoric comes amid these stalled negotiations. US President Donald Trump stated that Iran "will have a very bad time" if no agreement is reached and posted a video on Truth Social simulating the downing of an Iranian missile. In response, Iranian Armed Forces spokesman Abolfazl Shekarchi warned that any renewed attacks would confront US resources and military with "unprecedented, offensive, surprising and tumultuous scenarios." Deputy Parliament Speaker Hamidreza Hajibabaei added that any harm to Iranian oil infrastructure would prompt measures preventing US and global access to regional oil for an extended period. Meanwhile, Pakistan is attempting to mediate, with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi delivering a new proposals package to Tehran that combines Iran's 14-point plan with US demands.