“THE TEHRAN MANIFESTO”: Iran Rejects Trump’s Deal, Issues 5-Point Counterproposal
TEHRAN / ISLAMABAD — In a move that has effectively stalled international mediation efforts, the Iranian government officially rejected the United States’ 15-point peace plan on Thursday, March 26, 2026. In its place, Tehran issued a defiant 5-point counterproposal, asserting that it—not Washington—will determine the timeline for the war’s conclusion.
“Iran will end the war when it decides to do so and when its own conditions are met,” a senior security official told state-run Press TV. The statement directly rebukes President Donald Trump’s Friday morning “ultimatum,” signaling that Iran is prepared for a protracted “total infrastructure” conflict.
Iran’s 5-Point “Conditions for Peace”
The Iranian proposal, transmitted via Pakistani intermediaries, shifts the focus from a “tactical pause” to a permanent cessation of hostilities with significant concessions from the U.S. and Israel.
- Sovereignty over the Strait: International recognition of Iran’s absolute authority over the Strait of Hormuz, including the right to bar “enemy vessels.”
- War Reparations: Formal arrangements for the payment of damages to Iranian infrastructure hit since February 28, including the Bushehr Nuclear Plant.
- End to Assassinations: A full cessation of targeted killings of Iranian military, political, and scientific personnel.
- Enforceable Guarantees: Concrete measures to ensure “the conflict is not imposed again” on the Islamic Republic by foreign powers.
- Comprehensive Cessation: A total end to hostilities across all regional fronts, including those involving allied “Resistance” groups.
“Negotiating with Themselves”: The Diplomatic Friction
The Iranian Foreign Ministry has been quick to downplay President Trump’s claims that a deal is “imminent.”
- The “Fake News” Charge: Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf labeled Trump’s talk of “productive conversations” as “fake news” designed to manipulate global oil markets.
- The Araghchi Doctrine: Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that speaking of negotiations now would be an “admission of defeat,” adding that the current policy is one of “continued resistance.”
- Shipping Fees: Reports indicate Tehran is already drafting a law to charge “transit fees” for “friendly” vessels in the Strait, further asserting its control over the global energy artery.
The “Total Infrastructure” Precipice
The rejection of the U.S. plan puts the region on a 24-hour countdown to a major escalation.
| U.S. Position (The “Hell” Ultimatum) | Iran Position (The “Manifesto”) |
| Demand: Reopen Hormuz and pause enrichment by Friday. | Demand: Full reparations and sovereignty before peace. |
| Threat: “Unleash hell” on Iran’s power grid starting Friday. | Threat: “Irreversible destruction” of Gulf desalination plants. |
| Troops: 82nd Airborne and Marines arriving in theater. | Status: Moving to “Total Defense” on Kharg Island. |
What’s Next?
As of 10:00 AM PKT, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is reportedly in emergency sessions with both the U.S. envoy team and Iranian representatives in Islamabad to bridge the gap between the “15 points” and the “5 conditions.” If these last-minute efforts fail by tomorrow morning, the conflict will likely enter the “total infrastructure phase,” moving beyond military targets to the national utilities of both Iran and its neighbors.