Iran sends "maximalist" peace plan response as Trump deadline looms
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Iranians attend the funeral of Alireza Tangsiri, commander of the IRGC navy, alongside others killed in U.S.-Israeli strikes. Photo: AFP via Getty
Iran sent a 10-point response to the proposals under discussion with the U.S. for ending the war, according to U.S. officials and the Iranian state news agency IRNA.
Why it matters: The chances for a ceasefire deal before Trump's deadline of 8pm ET on Tuesday currently appear slim. Trump says without a deal by then, he will order massive strikes on Iranian civilian infrastructure. Iran says it would retaliate against energy and water facilities in the Gulf states.
- A U.S. official who saw the Iranian response called it "maximalist."
- Trump told reporters Iran's response was "significant" but "not good enough." He said it was "highly unlikely" he'd extend his deadline again. "I gave them a chance, and they haven't taken it," he said.
- Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned Trump against a ceasefire deal, an Israeli official told Axios.
State of play: The U.S., Iran and a group of regional mediators are discussing the terms for a two-phase deal: a 45-day ceasefire that would then be used for negotiations; then a full agreement to end the war.
- The 45-day period could be extended if more time was needed for talks, one of the sources said.
- Trump told Axios on Sunday that the U.S. was "in deep negotiations" with Iran and claimed a deal could be reached before Tuesday. "There is a good chance, but if they don't make a deal, I am blowing up everything over there," he said.
- Trump has threatened to destroy infrastructure that is vital to Iranian civilians if he is unable to reach a deal with the regime. Such attacks could constitute war crimes, and Iran's retaliation could also have major implications for civilians across the region.
What they're saying: According to the Iranian state news agency IRNA, the Iranian response was discussed internally for two weeks and sent on Monday to Pakistani mediators.
- The Iranian response emphasizes the need for a permanent end to the war and not just a temporary ceasefire.
- Sources with knowledge of the negotiations said this is the key sticking point at the moment and the mediators are working on different formulas to guarantee that the ceasefire would lead to a permanent end to hostilities.
- According to IRNA, the response includes a demand that ending the war in Iran would also include ending hostilities in other places in the region, like Lebanon, where Israel is conducting an invasion.
- The Iranians demand "a protocol for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz."
- The Iranians also demand payment for reconstruction, and the lifting of sanctions imposed by the U.S. and the international community.
The other side: "They made a ... significant proposal. Not good enough, but they have made a very significant step. We will see what happens," Trump told reporters on Monday.
- "If they don't make a deal, they will have no bridges and no power plants," Trump added.
- He noted that he would have gone even further to "keep the oil and make a lot of money," but stressed he knows the American people would not support such a move. "They like to see us win and come home."
Behind the scenes: On Sunday, Netanyahu expressed concern about a possible ceasefire deal in a call with Trump, an Israeli official said.
- The official said Netanyahu called Trump to congratulate him for the rescue of the F-15 crew member in Iran and said the call was warm and positive.
- Trump told Netanyahu that if Iran agrees to the U.S. demands, a ceasefire could happen, but stressed he won't give up on his demand that Iran hand over all of its enriched uranium and agree not to resume enrichment, according to the Israeli official.
- The White House didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.
