Iran calls US demands ‘unreasonable’, warns against aggression

Iran on Monday rejected what it called “unreasonable demands” from the United States, warning that Tehran would respond with full force if war were forced upon it. Speaking during a media briefing, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said diplomacy operates within clear principles and stressed that Iran has consistently placed the protection of its national interests and citizens above all else. He said Iran remains open to diplomatic opportunities whenever they arise. He stated that Iran had conveyed its response to a proposal from US President Donald Trump through Pakistan a day earlier, describing the reply as “balanced”. According to him, Pakistan has been acting in a professional mediatory capacity, while Iran framed its response with broader regional stability in mind. He added that Iran had also informed China that US actions risked fuelling instability and creating security concerns across the region. Baghaei said Iran had presented the US with a fair and responsible plan focused on ending the conflict and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. The proposal, he said, included demands for a ceasefire, removal of sanctions and restoration of maritime trade routes. He further stated that Iranian assets frozen under US pressure had been blocked unlawfully, adding that lifting restrictions on those funds was among Iran’s key demands. The spokesperson also urged European nations to avoid involvement in the Strait of Hormuz and cautioned them against yielding to pressure from the US and Israel. He described the ongoing war as both illegal and immoral. Warning of broader consequences, Baghaei said any interference in the Strait of Hormuz or the Persian Gulf could worsen tensions and trigger increases in global energy prices. Earlier, foreign media reports quoted Iranian officials as saying it would be preferable for Trump to remain dissatisfied with Iran’s response, insisting that his reaction held little significance for Iran. Officials said negotiators