The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has announced a new maritime control zone in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil shipments. This zone stretches from Mount Mobarak in Iran to Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates, and from the end of Qeshm Island in Iran to Umm Al Quwain in the UAE. The announcement coincides with Iran's assessment of a counter-proposal from the United States, aimed at addressing the ongoing regional conflict. Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmail Baghaei, highlighted the challenges in negotiations, attributing them to what he described as excessive demands from the US. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump expressed that discussions with Iran were progressing positively but rejected a recent Iranian proposal, stating it was unacceptable. Baghaei reiterated that Iran's proposal focuses solely on ending the conflict and does not involve nuclear negotiations, dismissing reports suggesting otherwise as speculative. This diplomatic exchange, facilitated by Pakistan, occurs amid heightened tensions in the region, with both sides navigating complex interactions to seek resolution.