Iran\u2019s response to a US proposal to end the war has been sent via mediator Pakistan, according to the Iranian state news agency IRNA.<\/p>\n
The report said on Sunday that according to the proposed plan, the first stage of the negotiations will focus on ending hostilities, as well as ensuring \u201cmaritime security\u201d in the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz.<\/p>\n
Recommended Stories list of 2 itemsend of list<\/p>\n
\u201cOur response focuses on ending the war throughout the region, especially in Lebanon, and resolving differences with Washington,\u201d an official Iranian source told Al Jazeera. They said their response also included \u201cnegotiations regarding the Strait of Hormuz, the nuclear programme, and the lifting of sanctions\u201d.<\/p>\n
The source added that Tehran\u2019s response was \u201crealistic and positive\u201d, adding: \u201cWashington\u2019s positive response to our response will move the negotiations forward quickly. The choice now lies with Washington.\u201d<\/p>\n
But in his first remarks since the development, US President Donald Trump\u00a0on Sunday evening accused Iran of \u201cplaying games\u201d.<\/p>\n
Iran \u201chas been playing games with the United States, and the rest of the World, for 47 years\u201d, the president wrote on Truth Social. \u201cThey will be laughing no longer!\u201d<\/p>\n
Two hours later, he said on the same platform: \u201cI have just read the response from Iran\u2019s so-called \u2018Representatives\u2019. I don\u2019t like it \u2014 TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE!\u201d<\/p>\n
Washington sent Tehran a 14-point proposal earlier this week. Under its conditions, Iran would have to agree not to develop a nuclear weapon and stop all uranium enrichment for at least 12 years. It would also be required to hand over its estimated 440kg (970lb) stock of uranium enriched to 60 percent.<\/p>\n
In return, the US would gradually lift sanctions, release billions of dollars in frozen Iranian assets and halt its naval blockade of Iranian ports.<\/p>\n
The development comes just a week before US President Donald Trump is due to visit China, which is one of the largest importers of Iranian oil and has strategic interests there.<\/p>\n
Hormuz blockade<\/p>\n
The US and Iran have exchanged fire in the Strait of Hormuz over the past week, yet neither country has announced a collapse of the ceasefire in place since April 8.<\/p>\n
Trump believes that Iran is \u201ccollapsing financially\u201d and losing millions of dollars a day due to Washington\u2019s naval blockade of Iranian ports, which began on April 13.<\/p>\n
While the blockade is hurting Iran, analysts said<\/a> they believe the country has the economic and political will to endure it.<\/p>\n Iran\u2019s parliamentary speaker and lead negotiator in the ceasefire talks, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, said on Thursday that a full ceasefire could only work if the US naval blockade is lifted.<\/p>\n