A cargo ship navigates near the Strait of Hormuz [Photo courtesy of Reuters/Yonhap News. Resale and database prohibited]

Iran rejected demands to halt uranium enrichment for 20 years and dismantle its nuclear facilities in its response to the US's proposed cessation of hostilities, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on the 10th (local time).

According to sources familiar with the matter, Iran refused the US demand for dismantling its nuclear facilities in a formal response sent to the US through mediator Pakistan on the same day.

Instead, it is understood that Iran stated its position to dilute some of its currently held highly enriched uranium and transfer the rest to a third country.

The US reportedly demanded the return of all of Iran's highly enriched uranium, but Iran rejected this and presented its own alternative.

Sources also stated that Iran demanded a "guarantee" to return the uranium transferred abroad if negotiations break down or if the US withdraws from a future agreement.

Furthermore, it is known that Iran insisted on shortening the period of uranium enrichment suspension to less than the 20 years proposed by the US.

The WSJ pointed out that "this response did not resolve the US's demand for a prior commitment regarding the future of Iran's nuclear program and its stockpile of highly enriched uranium."

Instead, Iran reportedly proposed a plan to gradually open the Strait of Hormuz if the US lifts its blockade on Iranian ships and ports, and to discuss nuclear issues thereafter for 30 days.

However, the semi-official Tasnim news agency in Iran reported that the nuclear-related proposals reported by the WSJ were not true, citing sources.

Tasnim news agency reported that in the proposals sent to the US, Iran demanded the cessation of war on all fronts and the lifting of sanctions against Iran as the core conditions for the cessation of hostilities, specifically emphasizing the need to end the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, immediately unfreeze overseas assets, and lift the ban on Iranian oil sales for the 30 days during which negotiations would proceed.

According to Reuters, Iran's state media outlet Press TV reported that Iran rejected the US proposal containing excessive demands and reiterated the importance of the US paying reparations for war damages and Iran's sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz.

US President Donald Trump stated on his social media platform Truth Social on the same day that Iran's response was unacceptable, saying, "I don't like it. It's completely unacceptable."

Previously, the WSJ reported that the US sought approximately seven main points from Iran: ▲ a 20-year suspension of uranium enrichment ▲ dismantling of Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear facilities ▲ prohibition of underground nuclear activities ▲ return of all enriched nuclear materials ▲ commitment to abandon nuclear weapons development ▲ permission for nuclear inspections within Iran and sanctions for violations ▲ and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.