Tehran [Iran], May 4 (ANI): The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has announced a new maritime control zone in the Strait of Hormuz, according to a report by Tasnim News Agency on Monday.
Iranian state media reported that the newly declared “smart control” zone extends between Mount Mobarak in Iran and south of Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates, and between the end of Qeshm Island in Iran and Umm Al Quwain in the United Arab Emirates.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei confirmed that officials are assessing a counter-proposal from the United States aimed at halting the ongoing conflict, according to Al Jazeera.
Speaking at a press conference, Baghaei said “the U.S. message was received through Pakistan” and declined to provide further details, noting that the issues remain under review.
He highlighted challenges in the negotiation process, suggesting that the American approach of making “excessive and unreasonable demands” makes the proposal difficult to evaluate.
Addressing reports on Tehran’s nuclear ambitions, Baghaei dismissed claims about negotiations over its nuclear program as “mostly speculation.”
According to Al Jazeera, he clarified that “the issues raised about enrichment or nuclear materials are purely speculative” and emphasized that “at this stage, we are not talking about anything other than stopping the war completely.”
He added that the path forward remains uncertain, stating that “the direction we will take in the future will be determined in the future.”
Al Jazeera reported that the diplomatic exchange, facilitated by Islamabad, comes as the region remains on high alert amid concerns of further escalation.
The development coincides with comments from U.S. President Donald Trump, who on Sunday (local time) said his representatives are engaged in “very positive” discussions with Tehran.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the talks could lead to “something very positive for all.”
“I am fully aware that my representatives are having very positive discussions with the country of Iran, and that these discussions could lead to something very positive for all,” Trump said.
These remarks were echoed by U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff, who told CNN that Washington remains engaged with Tehran. “We’re in conversation,” Witkoff said.
Trump’s tone marks a shift from comments he made a day earlier, when he criticized Iran’s proposal, saying he “can’t imagine” it would be acceptable as Tehran had not “paid a big enough price.”
He has also rejected the proposal outright, calling it “not acceptable,” according to The Times of Israel.
In remarks reported by Kan News, Trump said, “It’s not acceptable to me. I’ve studied it, I’ve studied everything — it’s not acceptable.”
He added that the regional military campaign was progressing successfully, stating, “The campaign is going great. The Iranians want to make a deal, but I’m not satisfied with what they’ve offered.”
“There are things I can’t agree to,” Trump said, without elaborating.
In a separate interview with Iranian state broadcaster SNN TV, Baghaei confirmed that the U.S. response to Tehran’s proposal had been received via Pakistan. He stressed that the “14-point proposal” is focused solely on ending the conflict and does not address the nuclear issue.
According to Tasnim News Agency, Baghaei also rejected reports suggesting the proposal involved mine-clearing operations in the Strait of Hormuz, calling such claims “fabricated.”
The Iranian spokesperson reiterated Tehran’s position, stating that “Iran rejects negotiations under ultimatum and deadline.” (ANI)
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