Iran–US Conflict: Demands for Peace Amid Escalating Tensions

By Okoi Obono-Obla 

Iran–US Conflict: Demands for Peace Amid Escalating Tensions-

Iran and the United States of America have exchanged demands prepared by each side to end the ongoing conflict which has been raging since 28 February 2026, when Israel and the USA launched a joint military operation striking targets in Iran. The operation resulted in the killing of the Iranian Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, along with scores of senior military and security leaders. Since then, Iran has retaliated with barrages of drones and missile attacks on United States allies in the Gulf States—including Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Iraq—leading to massive loss of lives and property.

The conflict has partially closed the Strait of Hormuz, an international shipping route connecting the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf to the Indian Ocean. This disruption has triggered an unprecedented hike in oil and gas prices, severely impacting the global economy.

US Demands:
– Nuclear facilities at Natanz, Isfahan, and Fordow must be dismantled and destroyed.
– Transparency and oversight by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) over activities in Tehran.
– Iran must abandon the use of armed proxies in the region and cease funding and arming regional allies.
– Dismantling of existing nuclear capabilities, with a commitment never to pursue nuclear weapons.
– All enriched material must be handed over to the IAEA, with no enrichment on Iranian soil.
– The Strait of Hormuz must remain open as a free maritime zone.
– Iranian missile deployment to be limited in quantity and range, restricted to self-defence.
– In return, the US would assist Tehran in developing a civilian nuclear project in Bushehr for electricity production.
– All sanctions on Iran would be abolished, with guarantees against future sanctions.

Iranian Demands:
– Closure of all American bases in the Gulf and reparations for attacks on Iran.
– A new order for the Strait of Hormuz, allowing Tehran to collect transit fees similar to Egypt’s model with the Suez Canal.
– Guarantees that the conflict will not restart.
– An end to Israel’s attacks on Hezbollah in Lebanon.
– Lifting of all sanctions on Iran.
– Retention of Iran’s missile programme, with no negotiations to limit it.

Conclusion:
The demands from both sides reflect deep mistrust and conflicting strategic interests. While the United States prioritizes nuclear disarmament and regional stability, Iran insists on sovereignty, reparations, and the preservation of its missile programme. Whether these positions can be reconciled through peaceful negotiations remains uncertain. Failure to reach an agreement risks escalating the conflict further, with catastrophic consequences for regional security and the global economy.