Iran Delays Response to US Peace Proposal Amid Nuclear Program and Hormuz Strait Disputes
Al Jazeera Staff
Iran is still reviewing a 14-point US proposal to end the war, with deep disagreements over Tehran's nuclear program and control of the Strait of Hormuz. The US had expected a response by last weekend, but Tehran says any deal must be “fair and comprehensive.” Iran's delays may be a tactical move to show control and leverage.
The United States is still awaiting an official response from Iran to its latest peace proposal aimed at ending a conflict that has spread across the region, including Lebanon, and triggered a global energy crisis due to Tehran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. The Trump administration had expected an answer by last weekend, but Tehran says it is still reviewing the proposal and insists any deal must be “fair and comprehensive.”
According to US media reports, the 14-point proposal demands that Iran freeze its uranium enrichment program for at least 12 years and reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 30 days. Tehran would also need to surrender approximately 440 kilograms of uranium already enriched to 60% to prevent it from reaching the 90% threshold needed for weapons production. In return, the US has promised to lift some sanctions and release Iran's frozen assets.
US President Donald Trump said on May 9 that he hopes to know Iran's answer soon. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also stated the US expects a response within hours, expressing hope this could mark the start of a serious negotiation process. However, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei confirmed that Tehran is still carefully examining the proposal text.
Reasons for Iran's Delay
Al Jazeera correspondent Resul Serdar Atas in Tehran reported that the US proposal is “an extremely technical document,” prompting Iranian negotiators to weigh every date and every word. Additionally, multiple power centers in Iran must approve the response before it is sent, with final sign-off from Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei.
Professor Mohamad Elmasry of the Doha Institute suggested that Iran's delay could be a tactic to demonstrate control over the situation and create a sense that it holds more leverage. He noted that the Trump administration often lacks patience and seeks quick deals.
Iran's Conditions
According to Iranian sources, Tehran is pursuing a “three-phase” approach. In the first phase, lasting 30 days, Iran wants negotiations focused on a permanent end to the war “on all fronts,” including the role of Hezbollah in Lebanon. This is something the US can hardly guarantee, as fighting between Hezbollah and Israel continues despite a ceasefire agreement from April.
Iran also demands assurances that attacks will not resume, emphasizing that such guarantees must come from the UN Security Council—a condition Washington finds difficult to accept. Tehran calls for the lifting of sanctions, release of frozen assets, an end to the US naval blockade, and reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. However, Iran believes “the strategic environment has changed” and insists it will maintain influence over this waterway, rather than returning to the pre-war status quo.
Regarding its nuclear program, Iran rejects dismantling nuclear facilities or sending enriched uranium abroad. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on May 9 questioned the reliability of US leadership in negotiations, citing past US military strikes on Iran during previous rounds of talks in June 2025 and the ongoing conflict.
