Iran foreign ministry: US must abandon ‘excessive demands’ Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei has blamed the US for the slow pace of diplomacy to end the war, calling its demands in negotiations "excessive". “The other side must resolve to adopt a reasonable approach and abandon excessive demands regarding Iran,” Baghai told reporters on Monday. Baghei also said that all countries that have taken part in the war both directly and indirectly are “responsible”.
Top diplomats from Iran and Pakistan stress on regional stability Pakistan’s foreign minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar and his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi discussed the “regional situation” and Islamabad’s mediation efforts in a phone call, according to a statement from Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Araghchi expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s “constructive role and sincere mediation efforts between the parties”. Dar said Pakistan remains committed to diplomacy, stating that “dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable path toward peaceful resolution of issues and achieving lasting peace and stability in the region and beyond”.
Iranian diplomat says ‘satisfactory’ deal must include compensation Former Iranian ambassador to Lebanon Mojtaba Amani said Iran will only accept a “satisfactory deal” and will not enter negotiations with preconditions. Speaking to Al Jazeera Mubasher, he said any settlement must reflect developments on the ground and include compensation for war losses. Amani said the 14-point proposal represents Tehran’s framework to end the conflict, adding that demands for compensation from the United States and Israel are “logical” after what he described as failed efforts to achieve “regime change”.
US Senator Graham rejects Iran offer, backs diplomacy with pressure US Senator Lindsey Graham said Iran’s latest proposal to end the conflict is “utterly ridiculous”, accusing Tehran of stalling in negotiations. In a post on X, he said Iran was “playing games” as talks continue. Graham also backed President Donald Trump’s maritime initiative, saying: “I fully agree with President Trump's decision to launch Operation Freedom, which aims to restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, and I hope that this conflict can be ended through diplomatic means.
White House posts Trump's photo with ‘I have all the cards’ message The White House posted an image of Donald Trump holding Uno cards with the caption, “I have all the cards,” in what appeared to be a message amid tensions with Iran. The post came as disputes continue over the Strait of Hormuz and Tehran’s nuclear programme. In a separate post on Truth Social, Trump said the US Navy will escort ships trapped in the strait, describing it as a humanitarian effort under “Project Freedom”.
Merz says no US Tomahawk deployment in Germany German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the United States will not deploy Tomahawk cruise missiles in Germany for now, telling ARD, “The Americans don’t have enough for themselves right now. Objectively speaking, there is virtually no possibility of the US supplying weapons systems of this kind. ” The missiles had been pledged in 2024 under former President Joe Biden to bolster deterrence.
Germany calls US key Nato partner amid tensions German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the United States remains Germany’s “most important partner in the North Atlantic Alliance”, in a post on X, as Germany seeks to ease tensions following plans to withdraw US troops. His remarks come after Washington announced a reduction of about 5,000 troops from Germany. The move, ordered by Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, has been seen as a response to disagreements over the war involving Iran.
UN rapporteur warns of ‘Israelisation of Europe’ Francesca Albanese said Israel is using its relationship with Greece to advance its regional aims, warning of a broader “Israelisation of Europe”. Speaking in Athens, she said: “You think that you have chosen Israel in order to secure peace from your eternal enemy. I don’t think so.
Trump rejects Iran proposal, urges pardon for Netanyahu from corruption charges US President Donald Trump has dismissed Iran’s latest proposal, describing it as unacceptable after reviewing the details. Speaking to Israeli outlet Kan News, Trump said he had examined the plan in full. “I’ve studied it, I’ve studied everything – it’s not acceptable,” he reportedly said.
Trump to review Iran peace proposal, signals strong doubts US President Donald Trump says he will review a newly submitted peace proposal from Iran, while casting doubt on whether it meets Washington’s expectations. In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote: “I will soon be reviewing the plan that Iran has just sent to us, but can’t imagine that it would be acceptable in that they have not yet paid a big enough price for what they have done to Humanity, and the World, over the last 47 years. ” The comments follow reports in Iranian media that Tehran has put forward a 14-point plan through mediators aimed at securing a permanent end to the war.
Iran reviewing US response to 14-point plan, says spokesperson Iran has received Washington’s response to its 14-point proposal, delivered via Pakistan, according to Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baqaei. Baqaei told Iranian media that officials in Tehran are now assessing the US position following the exchange. He said the proposal is focused solely on bringing the war to an end and does not cover nuclear negotiations at this stage.
Germany urges Iran to reopen Hormuz, says nothing about US blockade Germany’s foreign minister Johann Wadephul has called on Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and dismantle its nuclear programme, following talks with his Iranian counterpart. Iran a right under international law to pursue nuclear enrichment and it has denied having a nuclear weapons programme. In a post on X, Wadephul said Berlin remains aligned with Washington on Iran policy.
Gaza cannot be rebuilt until Palestinians control their own political future Submitted by Alaa Tartir on Thu, 04/23/2026 - 20:16 As Israel uses reconstruction to impose new colonial conditions on Gaza, Palestinian-led political renewal rather than outside frameworks is the only path to genuine recovery Palestinians walk past an electoral candidate's list in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip, on 18 April 2026 (Haseeb Alwazeer/Reuters) Off After Israel and its international backers have destroyed the Gaza Strip over the past 30 months, their primary focus has shifted to shaping the intricate features of the next phase. This effort aims to ensure ultimate dominance and control by imposing macrostructures and conditions for the "day after", entrenching settler-colonial schemes under the guise of a so-called ceasefire and reconstruction. Instead of accountability and submission to the rule of law, Israel and its supporters continue to impose the logic of coercive force.
Trump: Iran has 'not yet paid a big enough price' In a post on his Truth Social platform late on Sunday night, US President Donald Trump said he was reviewing a plan for peace sent by Iran but he couldn't imagine "that it would be acceptable in that they have not yet paid a big enough price for what they have done to Humanity, and the World, over the last 47 years". Iran issued a 14-point proposal that Trump initially said he was reviewing, while adding that US and Israeli strikes could resume if Tehran "misbehaves".
Exclusive: US and Israel reject joint Palestinian proposal for Gaza after meetings Submitted by MEE staff on Sun, 05/03/2026 - 01:11 Palestinian factions submit document tying disarmament to statehood and security guarantees, as ceasefire talks stall Palestinians queue for meals at a charity kitchen amid worsening food shortages in Nuseirat, Gaza Strip, 2 May 2026 (Imago/APAimages via Reuters) Off Israel and the United States have rejected a paper submitted jointly by Palestinian factions, including Hamas, that links their disarmament to Palestinian statehood and security guarantees, following the latest round of negotiations over the future of Gaza. A senior Palestinian source with knowledge of the talks told Middle East Eye that the Palestinian proposal called for negotiations over the disarmament of Hamas and other groups to be tied to the granting of political rights for the Palestinian people "within the national framework", as well as to commitments that the people of Gaza would no longer be killed. Disagreements have deepened between the US and Israel on one side and Palestinian factions on the other after a series of meetings in Cairo and Istanbul in recent weeks.
Morning update Good morning Middle East Eye readers, Diplomatic manoeuvring over Iran’s latest proposal is unfolding alongside continued military activity in Lebanon and disruption to global energy flows. Donald Trump said he is reviewing Tehran’s 14-point plan, warning attacks could resume if Iran “misbehaves”, even as reports point to ongoing indirect engagement. At the same time, US-backed military support in the region is expanding and enforcement measures against Iranian oil trade continue, though some shipments appear to be getting through.
Trump to review Iran's 14-point plan, warns strikes could resume US President Donald Trump said there is a “possibility” that strikes against Iran could resume if tensions escalate. Speaking to reporters in Florida, he said: “If Iran misbehaves or does something bad there is a possibility it could happen… we’ll see,” adding that the US is “doing very well” and that Tehran wants to make a deal because they are “decimated”. Trump also said, “They are having a hard time figuring out who their leader is, they don’t know who their leader is,” adding that their former leader Ali Khamenei “is gone”.
Nato seeking to understand US decision to withdraw troops from Germany Nato said on Saturday it was working with the United States to understand Washington's decision to withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany as tensions increase between Europe and the US over the war on Iran. On Friday, US defence minister Pete Hegseth announced the withdrawal of the American troops, following a week in which German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and US President Donald Trump traded barbs over Iran. The North Atlantic alliance said it was “working with the US to understand the details of their decision on force posture in Germany.
US-Germany spat over Iran intensifies as Hegseth orders troop removal Submitted by MEE staff on Sat, 05/02/2026 - 10:07 German defence minister says Europe must look after itself, as 5,000 American troops set to leave Germany US President Trump and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz meet at the White House in Washington, 3 March 2026 (Reuters) Off The spat between the US and Germany over the war on Iran is intensifying after Washington announced the withdrawal of 5,000 American troops from German soil. Responding to US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth's order on Friday, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said on Saturday that "Europeans must take responsibility for our own security". Pistorius said the US move to withdraw troops from Germany, its largest European base, had been expected.
Morning update Good morning Middle East Eye readers, Fresh developments point to intensifying pressure on Iran alongside continued violence in Lebanon and rising geopolitical strain. Air defence activity in Israel, new US sanctions targeting Iranian-linked networks and reports of maritime disruption underline the breadth of the crisis. Diplomatic signals remain mixed, with Washington and Tehran maintaining indirect contact even as rhetoric hardens and military activity persists across multiple fronts.
