Iran reiterates permanent peace proposal to US: Time should not be wasted on temporary solutions

Speaking to the press within the scope of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum 2026, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh delivered important messages regarding reconciliation efforts between the US and Iran, which include the evaluation of a temporary ceasefire process involving Israel and the status of the Strait of Hormuz.

In his statement, Khatibzadeh emphasized that they would not settle for temporary compromises, saying, "We do not accept any temporary ceasefire. Because this vicious cycle, which is used to exhaust diplomacy and then return to war, must end." He stated that the primary goal of the ongoing talks is to reach a permanent solution.

Khatibzadeh reminded that the Strait of Hormuz, which has been open for thousands of years, is a part of Iran's territory and sovereignty. He pointed to the strategic importance of the region with the words, "The Strait of Hormuz has been kept open throughout history by Iran's decision."

The Iranian diplomat also expressed that the attacks initiated by the US and Israel without justification have increased tensions in the Middle East. Warning that foreign interventions in the region cause global-scale damage, Khatibzadeh said, "They are trying to suffocate the entire region and Iran. This negatively affects not only the region but also the world and the global economy."

Khatibzadeh noted that the ongoing conflict began with the choices of the US and Israel and stated that their demands are clear: "If this war ends permanently and America decides to accept very fair and balanced conditions, abandon its maximalist attitudes, accept the realities on the ground, and acknowledge that international law cannot be violated and that sovereignty and territorial integrity must be respected, then as Iran, we can commit that the Strait of Hormuz will be a path for peace and stability."

CEASEFIRE AND NEGOTIATION PROCESS IN THE REGION

Following the attacks launched by the US and Israel against Iran on February 28, the crisis, which reached the scale of war after Iran's retaliation, was moved to the negotiating table after a while. US President Donald Trump announced on April 8 that they had accepted a two-week ceasefire on the condition that the Strait of Hormuz remains open and that they had received a 10-point proposal from Iran.

The Supreme National Security Council of Iran, on the other hand, reported that Iran had achieved its goals in the war, that final negotiations would begin in Islamabad, and that the process was aimed to be completed within a maximum of 15 days.