Trump sends Iran 15-point ultimatum – media

The US has sent islamic republic of iran a 15-point public security proposition demanding the dismantlement of its atomic programme, curbs on missiles, and an end to support for regional allies, US and Israeli media outlets report. Iran has denied holding talks with the US, and has reportedly insisted on several major concessions, including ending its military presence in the Gulf.

The plan was first reported by the New York Times on Tuesday, with sources saying it was delivered via Pakistan and that it is not clear whether Israel is on board with the proposal. The newspaper did not provide details of the plan, saying only that it covers Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs.

Later, Israeli Channel 12 outlined 14 of the 15 points in the plan. The framework reportedly calls for Iran to fully dismantle its nuclear facilities at Natanz, Isfahan, and Fordow, permanently ban uranium enrichment on its soil, and transfer its enriched stockpile to the IAEA under an agreed timeline.

Tehran would also be required to abandon its network of regional armed groups, place strict caps on its ballistic missile program, and keep the Strait of Hormuz open as a free maritime corridor. In exchange, all nuclear-related sanctions would be lifted and Washington would assist Iran’s civilian nuclear program, including the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, which has Russian participation.

Tehran denied that it has held talks with Washington. Lt. Col. Ebrahim Zolfaghari, the spokesman for Iran’s armed forces command, mocked the US for “negotiating with itself.”

Iranian Press TV reported, citing a source, that Tehran has dismissed the roadmap, saying the war will end at “a time of [Iran’s] own choosing.” He also said Tehran will not allow US President Donald Trump to dictate terms, and that a settlement should contain “concrete guarantees.”

Several media outlets reported that Iran has demanded that the US agree to significant concessions to end the war. The Wall Street Journal said Tehran insists that America close all of its bases in the Persian Gulf, guarantee no further military operations, lift all sanctions, and allow the collection of payments from vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, as well as excluding Iran’s ballistic missile program from further talks.

According to Reuters, Iran also wants the US to compensate wartime losses and obtain formal control over the strait.

Commenting on Trump’s reported proposal, Israeli Economy Minister Nir Barkat said it looks “beautiful on paper,” though Iran is not likely to accept it.

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