18/05/2026
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18/05/2026
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TEHRAN, May 18: Iran said on Monday that it has responded to a new US proposal aimed at ending the ongoing conflict, while confirming that diplomatic exchanges are continuing through a regional mediator.
Foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said Tehran had conveyed its concerns to Washington and that discussions remain active.
“As we announced yesterday, our concerns were conveyed to the American side,” Baqaei said during a press briefing, adding that communications were continuing “through the Pakistani mediator,” without providing further details.
His comments come amid Iranian media reports suggesting that US demands in the latest proposal were considered excessive by Tehran.
Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Iran should continue pursuing dialogue, stressing that rejecting negotiations is not a viable path forward.
Speaking at a gathering of government public relations officials, Pezeshkian said Tehran must engage in talks “with dignity.”
“If you do not talk, do you want to fight forever?” he said.
The Iranian president also called for more transparent communication with the public, warning against overstating national strength while ignoring domestic challenges.
“They have problems, and we have problems too,” he said.
Pezeshkian highlighted economic pressures, including energy consumption and fuel demand, noting that Iran produces around 100 million liters of gasoline daily while requiring approximately 150 million liters.
He warned that rising consumption could create seasonal energy challenges and acknowledged inflation concerns, saying economic hardship must be addressed realistically.
“We are fighting, and we must accept its hardship,” he said, adding that national goals require sustained effort and cannot be achieved instantly.
Pezeshkian also remarked that he had not anticipated becoming president, saying, “They suddenly brought me here.”
