Iran sharpens stance ahead of US talks

Iran has signaled a tougher stance ahead of potential negotiations with the United States, while also criticising recent remarks by US President Donald Trump amid rising regional tensions.

In a message on X, Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghadam said further details would be shared soon. Earlier, the Iranian embassy strongly criticised Trump’s recent press conference, calling it an example of “cognitive misjudgment” and accusing him of arrogance that could lead to dangerous consequences.

The embassy also reminded the international community that the conflict escalated after an attack on a school where over 160 children were present, highlighting the humanitarian cost of the ongoing hostilities.

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Pakistan is currently playing a mediatory role between Washington and Tehran, proposing a two-phase ceasefire framework reportedly dubbed the “Islamabad Agreement.” However, Iran has stressed that it is not interested in a temporary ceasefire and is instead pushing for a permanent end to the war and a broader peace settlement.

According to reports by Al Jazeera, Iran has revised its negotiation framework. While earlier proposals consisted of five points, Tehran has now prepared a 10-point response to a 15-point proposal presented by the United States.

Key Iranian demands include the lifting of sanctions, a negotiated understanding on uranium enrichment, and the establishment of secure shipping protocols through the Strait of Hormuz.

Tehran has also proposed that taxes collected from the route be used for national reconstruction and compensation for war damages. It further insisted that any agreement must apply across all regional fronts, including allied groups such as Hezbollah and the Houthis.

Iran has made it clear that it will not compromise on these core demands and warned that without initial acceptance of basic principles, it would not engage in serious negotiations.