Iran’s chief negotiator in ongoing discussions with the United States has warned that Washington must accept Tehran’s proposed framework for a new agreement or face the possible failure of the negotiations, escalating tensions in the already fragile diplomatic process.
The warning came amid renewed efforts by both countries to revive dialogue over Iran’s nuclear programme and broader regional security concerns, following months of indirect talks facilitated by regional and international mediators.
According to Iranian officials, Tehran has submitted a 14-point proposal aimed at establishing what it described as a “balanced and realistic” path toward easing tensions with the United States. The proposal reportedly includes demands relating to sanctions relief, guarantees against future US withdrawal from any agreement, recognition of Iran’s civilian nuclear rights, and mechanisms for phased compliance by both sides.
Iran’s lead negotiator said the proposal represented Tehran’s “final and comprehensive framework” for moving the talks forward, warning that failure by Washington to respond positively could derail the diplomatic process entirely.
“The United States must decide whether it truly seeks a negotiated solution or prefers continued confrontation and deadlock,” the negotiator was quoted as saying during a briefing with local media. “Ignoring Iran’s legitimate concerns will only lead to the collapse of the negotiations.”
The development marks a fresh escalation in rhetoric between the two countries, whose relations have remained strained since the United States withdrew from the 2015 nuclear agreement during the administration of former President Donald Trump and reimposed sweeping sanctions on Tehran.
Iran has repeatedly insisted that any future agreement must include firm guarantees preventing another unilateral US withdrawal. Tehran also maintains that sanctions imposed on its banking, oil, and shipping sectors must be lifted before it can scale back its nuclear activities.
Washington, however, has continued to express concerns over Iran’s uranium enrichment levels, ballistic missile programme, and alleged support for armed groups across the Middle East.
US officials have yet to formally respond to the latest ultimatum from Tehran, though American negotiators have consistently maintained that diplomacy remains the preferred path to preventing further escalation.
Analysts say the latest exchange highlights the deep mistrust that continues to complicate efforts to revive a long-term agreement between both countries.
Regional observers warn that a collapse of the talks could heighten instability in the Middle East, increase pressure on global oil markets, and raise fears of further military confrontation in the Gulf region.
Diplomatic sources familiar with the negotiations said mediators from several countries are continuing behind-the-scenes efforts to prevent the discussions from breaking down completely.
The talks are expected to continue in the coming weeks, though expectations of a breakthrough remain uncertain as both sides maintain firm positions on key demands.
