Iran has demanded the closure of all United States military bases in the Gulf as one of its conditions to re-enter ceasefire negotiations, setting a high bar for diplomacy with Washington, according to a Wall Street Journal report citing people familiar with the discussions.
The report said Iran’s negotiating position is being shaped by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which has consolidated influence within the country’s leadership following weeks of conflict.
In addition to the removal of US military presence in the Gulf, Tehran is also seeking reparations for damage caused by US and Israeli strikes, signalling a maximalist stance that US officials have described as unrealistic.
Arab and US officials were quoted by the report as saying that the tough demands could make reaching a deal harder than before the conflict began, with early diplomatic messages exchanged through regional intermediaries rather than direct contact between Washington and Tehran.
IRAN LAYS OUT BROAD SET OF CONDITIONS
According to the report, Iran’s conditions go beyond military withdrawals and include strategic and economic demands tied to regional security and energy routes.
Among the key demands conveyed by Iranian representatives:
• Closure of all American military bases in the Gulf
• Financial reparations for attacks on Iran
• A new framework governing the Strait of Hormuz that would allow Iran to collect fees from ships passing through the waterway, similar to Egypt’s Suez Canal
• Guarantees that hostilities would not resume
• An end to Israeli strikes on Iran-aligned Lebanese militia Hezbollah
• Removal of all sanctions imposed on Iran
• Permission to retain its missile programme without negotiations to limit it
US officials described the demands as “ridiculous and unrealistic," according to the report, reflecting the wide gap between the two sides as diplomatic efforts continue through intermediaries in West Asia.
The report also mentioned that mediators, including regional actors, are attempting to facilitate indirect talks, although both sides remain far apart on core issues.
TRUMP SIGNALS DIPLOMATIC OPENING
Despite Iran’s hardline position, US President Donald Trump has voiced optimism about the prospects for negotiations, saying Washington is currently engaged in discussions with Tehran.
Trump said the United States had received what he described as a significant gesture linked to the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime route through which roughly one-fifth of global oil supply passes.
Iran later indicated it would allow safe passage for “non-hostile vessels" through the strait, according to a message circulated via the International Maritime Organisation, AFP said.
The development contributed to a drop of nearly six per cent in benchmark oil prices amid hopes of de-escalation, even as the conflict has caused volatility in global energy markets.
Trump said Washington had sent a peace proposal to Iran and indicated that discussions involve senior officials, including Vice President JD Vance.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister has offered to host talks, according to AFP, while reports cited by the agency indicated the proposal was transmitted through intermediaries.
AFP reported that Trump said the process “all starts with, they cannot have a nuclear weapon," underscoring Washington’s focus on limiting Iran’s nuclear programme.
DETAILS OF THE US 15-POINT PEACE PLAN
The proposed US framework outlines extensive conditions aimed at curbing Iran’s nuclear capabilities and regional influence.
Key elements include:
• Iran must dismantle its nuclear programme
• Iran must commit never to pursue nuclear weapons
• Uranium enrichment would not be permitted on Iranian territory
• Tehran must transfer roughly 450 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60 per cent to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
• Nuclear facilities at Natanz, Isfahan and Fordow must be dismantled
• The IAEA must be granted full inspection authority
• Iran must abandon its regional proxy network
• Tehran must stop funding and arming proxy groups
• The Strait of Hormuz must remain open as a free maritime corridor
• Limits would be imposed on Iran’s missile programme in terms of range and quantity
The proposal also includes the possibility of a temporary ceasefire period to allow negotiations to proceed.
CONFLICT CONTINUES AMID DIPLOMATIC EFFORTS
Even as diplomatic signals emerge, military activity has continued across the region.
AFP reported that Iranian missile strikes injured people in Israel, while Israel carried out a “large wave" of airstrikes in Iran and expanded operations targeting Hezbollah positions in Lebanon.
The Wall Street Journal reported separately that the United States is preparing to deploy 3,000 troops from the 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East, highlighting continued military pressure alongside diplomatic outreach.
Meanwhile, Israel has said its war objectives remain unchanged despite ongoing diplomatic discussions, and the conflict has spread across multiple fronts, including Lebanon and Gulf states.
