TEHRAN – Iran’s Foreign Ministry commented on the US proposal handed over to Tehran through the Foreign Minister of Oman during his visit late last month.
“The proposal to ignore the rights of Iranian people is unacceptable to us in terms of our rights to enrich our rights and the need for effective and verifiable sanctions relief,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said at a weekly press conference on Monday.
The US offer was not officially official, but earlier reports by US outlet Axios claimed it contained a limit on Iran’s uranium enrichment capacity (3% cap), providing relief for nuclear infrastructure downsizing, reducing developmental operations, and sanctions related to terms. The report also mentioned the proposed “regional consortium” for enrichment.
Baghaei stressed that Iran had rejected attempts to undermine its peaceful nuclear program or to drive enrichment activities outside its territory. “Iran has completely ruled out foreign interference or obstruction in peaceful nuclear development,” he said, adding that the Islamic Republic is insisting on a full and meaningful removal of US sanctions.
He made clear that the US offer, which was presented through diplomatic channels, cannot address Iran’s central demands. “This is just a US proposal. Naturally, parties to the consultation can present the idea, but this does not reflect the issues raised by Iran,” he said.
Baghaei added that Iran is working on its own reflux desire, describing it as “rational” and close to finalisation. He urged Washington to view this as a diplomatic opportunity. “Our advice for Americans is to take advantage of this moment,” he said.
He repeatedly concluded that lifting sanctions remains Iran’s top priority in consultations. “This issue has been raised clearly and repeatedly. It is Iran’s most important and serious demand,” emphasized Bagheey. “Why is this not addressed well in the US proposal is a question they have to answer.”
Tehran reduces Israeli seizure of aid ships heading to Gaza
Speaking at the briefing, Baghey condemned the Israeli regime hijacking a humanitarian ship on its way to the Gaza Strip.
The ship, Madreen, carried 12 well-known international campaigners, was part of the Freedom Fleet’s coalition’s efforts to break Israel’s blockade on war-torn Palestinian enclaves.
“This attack will be one of the most serious and horrifying developments currently unfolding right in front of the international community,” Baghaei said. “Under international law, this law is undoubtedly considered a copyright infringement, and considering its purpose is to block humanitarian assistance to the population facing genocide, it also constitutes a crime.”
The spokesman’s remarks followed a report from the Fleet of Freedom, which stated that the Israeli Navy had intercepted Madreen as Israeli navy approached Gaza coastal waters, forced onto the vessel and cut off communication. The group reported on Telegram that Israeli forces had detained everything on the ship.
Baghaei said some of the activists on board were Swedish citizens who had attracted international attention prior to the incident. This is a reference to Greta Samberg, who expressed solidarity with the mission prior to the vessel’s seizure. “Today, we saw footage urging Swedish passengers to act quickly to prevent detention on board,” he said.
Iranian officials have urged global organisations, particularly the UN Security Council, to respond decisively to the intensifying Israeli tactics and lockdown strategies. He highlighted the urgency to break the siege and protect Gaza civilians, especially women and children.
The incident occurs amid the ongoing war of Israel’s genocide against Gaza, which began in October 2023. So far, it has led to the deaths of nearly 54,900 Palestinians, most of which have been reported to be women and children. In addition to military attacks, Israel has further tightened its 2018 blockade in coastal regions, severely restricting the flow of food, fuel and medical supplies.
Baghey also recalled a similar incident in May when he was targeted by an Israeli drone near the Maltese coast. He pointed out that, and in 2010 Israel pointed to a fatal attack on Turkish aid ship Mabimarmara as part of a broader pattern of military attacks on humanitarian missions on Gaza.