Tehran Counters US Peace Plan with ‘Maximalist’ 5-Point Proposal

​TEHRAN – The Iranian government has officially responded to a 15-point ceasefire proposal from the United States, counter-offering a series of stringent demands that include war reparations and formal sovereignty over the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

​According to reports from the state-aligned Tasnim News Agency on Thursday, March 26, 2026, the response was delivered via Pakistani intermediaries. While Washington’s initial plan sought to dismantle Iran’s nuclear enrichment capabilities and curb its ballistic missile program, Tehran’s counterproposal signals a “maximalist” stance that may complicate the Trump administration’s search for an “offramp” to the four-week-old conflict.

​The Five Pillars of Iran’s Counter-Offer

​Citing an informed source, Tasnim detailed five specific conditions Tehran has set for a cessation of hostilities:

1. ​Cessation of Aggression: An immediate halt to all US and Israeli military strikes and targeted assassinations.

1. ​Binding Guarantees: The establishment of a mechanism to ensure neither the US nor Israel can resume military action in the future.

1. ​Financial Reparations: Payment of “war damages” for infrastructure destroyed during the recent weeks of aerial and naval bombardment.

1. ​Universal End to Hostilities: A comprehensive ceasefire across all regional fronts, effectively requiring Israel to stop operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza.

1. ​Hormuz Sovereignty: Full international recognition of Iran’s sovereign authority over the Strait of Hormuz, including the potential right to regulate or charge transit fees.

​Intermediaries and Mixed Signals

​The diplomatic exchange has been facilitated largely by Pakistan, with Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir acting as a central link between the two nations. Despite the exchange of documents, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi maintained a defiant public tone, stating that the receipt of messages “does not mean negotiations” and that Iran has “no intention of holding talks for now.”

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​The US proposal, which was sent earlier this week, reportedly offered sanctions relief and assistance with civilian nuclear energy at the Bushehr plant in exchange for Iran surrendering its enriched uranium stockpiles.

​Escalation Amidst Diplomacy

​While the “paper diplomacy” continues, the situation on the ground remains volatile. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt warned on Wednesday that if Tehran fails to accept the terms, they will be “hit harder than they have ever been hit before.” Meanwhile, reports suggest the US is considering a ground offensive on Kharg Island—the hub for 90% of Iran’s crude oil exports—to force the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

​Oil markets have remained on edge as the Strait, which handles approximately 20% of global energy trade, remains a central point of leverage in the escalating standoff.