Iran said on Monday it demanded an end to hostilities in the region and a thaw in its assets, a day after Donald Trump rejected the Iranian response, leading to a rise in oil prices.
“The only thing we demanded are Iran’s legitimate rights,” said Esma’il Baghaei, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Before listing the demands of the Islamic Republic, including “the end of war in the region,” the lifting of the American blockade of Iranian ports, and “the release of assets belonging to the Iranian people, which have been unjustly blocked for years.”
The statements caused a surge in oil prices, casting doubt on the immediate resumption of talks and a swift reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, crucial for global hydrocarbon trade, controlled by Iran since the conflict began on February 28.
On Monday, the price of Brent crude oil from the North Sea, a benchmark in Europe, rose by 1.74% to $103.05, an increase of over 50% compared to pre-conflict levels.
Amid more than a month of truce, only one round of discussions between American and Iranian representatives took place on April 11 in Islamabad. Since then, diplomatic efforts have stalled.
According to the Wall Street Journal, Tehran’s proposal includes a gradual reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and a simultaneous lifting of the American naval blockade.
The US and many countries suspect Tehran of seeking nuclear weapons, a claim Iran denies, arguing for its right to civil nuclear power.
(Source: Agence France-Presse)
Context: Iran is seeking to assert its demands and end hostilities in the region, particularly with the involvement of the United States. Fact Check: The conflict involves demands from Iran regarding the region and its assets, amid rising tensions and oil prices.
