Iran received messages via intermediaries indicating the United States’ willingness to negotiate, but deemed U.S. proposals to be “unrealistic, illogical and excessive,” foreign ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said on Monday.

Baghaei’s press conference took place a day after the foreign ministers of Pakistan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey met in Islamabad to hold initial discussions primarily focused on proposals to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to shipping.

“Our position is clear. We are under military aggression. Therefore, all our efforts and strength are focused on defending ourselves,” Baghaei said.