Tehran has firmly denied claims that its recent diplomatic initiative involves a 15-year suspension of uranium enrichment, stressing that the proposal is solely aimed at easing tensions in Lebanon and the surrounding region.
During a briefing on Monday, Ismail Baqaei, spokesperson for Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, addressed circulating rumors about a 14-point peace plan submitted by the Islamic Republic. Earlier reports from Al Jazeera and other Arab media had suggested Tehran might be prepared to offer nuclear concessions, including a long-term halt to enrichment activities, in exchange for regional stability.
However, Baqaei dismissed these assertions as fabricated by the media, clarifying that nuclear discussions are not part of the current agenda. He underscored that the diplomatic effort is exclusively focused on ending hostilities involving the “Zionist regime” and securing a ceasefire in Lebanon.
He explained that references to nuclear restrictions stem from previous negotiation rounds and are unrelated to the present 14-point document. “At this stage, we are not engaged in nuclear negotiations,” Baqaei stated, adding that the proposal is intended to tackle immediate humanitarian and military crises in the Middle East rather than longstanding atomic issues.
Additionally, Baqaei refuted reports claiming Iran had agreed to joint mine-clearance operations with the United States, labeling such reports as “imaginary.” He emphasized that Iran does not seek security guarantees from Western powers, relying instead on its own capabilities and leverage to uphold any agreements.
In a significant development, Baqaei confirmed that the United States has formally responded to Iran’s peace plan through Pakistani intermediaries. Iranian officials in Tehran are currently reviewing the American reply. “The American side has responded to our plan and conveyed its response to the Pakistani mediator,” he said.
Once the review is complete, Iran will communicate its subsequent position. Despite rejecting the nuclear concession rumors, this exchange indicates a rare, structured channel of communication between Tehran and Washington as both parties attempt to manage escalating regional instability.
