[Today’s Prayer] Iranian media says “withdrawal of U.S. forces in the Middle East, tolls in the Strait of Hormuz”… proposing negotiation conditions

A hardline conservative Iranian media outlet has drawn attention by presenting nine preconditions for negotiating an end to the war with the United States.

On the 29th (local time), Dr. Ebrahim Karhaney, a former member of Iran’s parliament (Majlis), wrote in an op-ed published in the daily Kayhan that “the end of this war, unlike the ‘12-day war,’ must be based on comprehensive and deterrent preconditions.”

Dr. Karhaney emphasized as the top priority condition that “U.S. forces must be completely withdrawn from this region, and U.S. military bases in West Asia (the Middle East) must be dismantled.”

He also argued that “under the sovereignty of the Islamic Republic of Iran, an official and legitimate economic system should be implemented for vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz.”

This appears to be an extension of Iran’s idea of charging “tolls” without the threat of U.S. forces if the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil transit route, is reopened.

It is reported that Iran’s parliament has begun discussing a bill to impose tolls on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for providing security.

In addition, Dr. Karhaney proposed the following preconditions for negotiations: a non-aggression principle toward Iraq, Lebanon, and the “axis of resistance”; an official announcement lifting UN and U.S. sanctions on Iran; the unfreezing and return of Iranian assets held by the U.S. and others; acknowledgment of “invasion” by the U.S. and Israel along with compensation payments; a statement ending the United Arab Emirates’ claims over three islands (including Abu Musa); and a pledge by “aggressor nations” to permanently cease war and terrorism.

These proposals come as Iran is expected to soon present a counterproposal to a 15-point peace plan reportedly delivered by the United States.

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Source: Yonhap News https://www.yna.co.kr/view/AKR20260329042400108?input=copy

“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7)

Heavenly Father, we hear the news about the nine conditions Iran has presented for ceasefire negotiations, including the withdrawal of U.S. forces and the imposition of tolls in the Strait of Hormuz. We lift up to You the Middle East situation, where tensions are rising amid complex political interests and economic stakes, and Iran at the center of it.

Lord, we ask that You would powerfully intervene in this negotiation process. Let it not be driven by the logic of power seeking national interests or military advantage, but grant leaders hearts that truly value peace and life among the nations. In the face of conflicts that cannot be resolved by human wisdom or calculation, may the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, take hold of their hearts and minds.

Though the power of the world and economic compensation cannot bring true peace, may the true peace that comes only through Jesus Christ come upon Iran and the Middle East. Even amid tense confrontation and looming uncertainty, let the church and believers in Iran rely on the Lord, the Prince of Peace, shine the light of the gospel, and be led so that the spiritual authority of God’s kingdom may be established in that land.

Lord, in this time as the situation in the Middle East is being reshaped, awaken churches and believers around the world to pray with tears for these nations. May the seeds of the gospel be planted where the strongholds of Islam are shaken, and may there arise a movement where people overcome the fear of war and oppression and receive Jesus Christ, who gives true peace. May our prayers go beyond the power of earthly armies and bring the reign of Your eternal kingdom upon this land.

Let all the burdens of conflict and strife in the Middle East be broken and restored, and let a highway for the gospel be established. Let Iran become a holy nation governed by God’s justice and peace.