Iran says ending war, blockade, sanctions ‘minimum requirements’ for peace

Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said on Tuesday that a permanent end to the war, the lifting of the naval blockade, and the removal of sanctions constitute the “minimum requirements” for any meaningful peace arrangement, accusing Washington of prioritizing pressure over diplomacy.

‘Real peace’ not built on humiliation

In a post on X, Gharibabadi wrote that “real peace” cannot be built through “humiliation, threats and forced concessions.” He added: “When a party directly involved in war, blockade, sanctions and threats of force rejects Iran’s response simply because it is not a surrender document, it becomes clear that the main issue is not peace, but imposing political will through pressure and threats.” He said Iran has emphasized “clear principles,” including a permanent end to the war, preventing its recurrence, compensation, lifting the blockade and illegal sanctions, and respect for Iran’s rights. “These are not maximalist demands; they are the minimum requirements for any serious, sustainable arrangement consistent with the UN Charter,” he added.

Contradictory Western policies

Gharibabadi also criticized what he described as contradictory Western policies. “You cannot speak of a ceasefire while continuing a blockade, talk about diplomacy while intensifying sanctions, or claim to support regional stability while politically and militarily backing a regime that is the source of aggression and instability. Such an approach is not negotiation; it is the continuation of coercive policy through diplomatic language,” he wrote. The US and Israel launched strikes against Iran on February 28, triggering retaliation and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. A Pakistan-brokered ceasefire took effect on April 8 but has not yielded a lasting agreement. On Sunday, Iran sent its response to a US proposal via Pakistan, but President Trump dismissed it as “totally unacceptable.” Türkiye continues to support diplomatic efforts and urges all parties to return to negotiations in good faith.