The other side's ceasefire signals are mixed with both hope and concern; the U.S.-China plan is still far apart.

Golden Finance reports that on April 22, according to Al Jazeera, Tehran University professor Tohid Asadi stated that regarding a ceasefire, we have received both positive and negative signals from Iran. Tehran has indicated that they will not negotiate under imposed conditions and terms. Comparing Iran and the United States’ initial proposals of 10 and 15 points, it is clear that both sides’ positions are far apart. Tehran’s distrust of the U.S., along with military rhetoric that could accompany failed negotiations, also casts a shadow over the current atmosphere. This is a warning that another round of confrontation may be imminent. Tehran still plans to use the Strait of Hormuz as a leverage point and bargaining chip in negotiations. It is attempting to exercise jurisdiction over ships passing through this strategically significant waterway. Iran has stated that the foundation of its foreign policy actions—especially when involving Israel—is “either everyone is safe, or no one is safe.” (East News Agency)