Iran has submitted its response to a US proposal aimed at ending the ongoing conflict, conveyed through mediator Pakistan, according to Iran’s state news agency IRNA. The report on Sunday indicated that the initial phase of negotiations, as per the proposed plan, would concentrate on ceasing hostilities and ensuring “maritime security” in the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz.
An official Iranian source informed Al Jazeera that Tehran’s response prioritizes “ending the war throughout the region, especially in Lebanon, and resolving differences with Washington.” The source also noted that the response includes “negotiations regarding the Strait of Hormuz, the nuclear programme, and the lifting of sanctions.” Describing Tehran’s stance as “realistic and positive,” the source added, “Washington’s positive response to our response will move the negotiations forward quickly. The choice now lies with Washington.”
However, US President Donald Trump, in his first comments on the development, accused Iran of “playing games” on Sunday evening. He stated on Truth Social that Iran “has been playing games with the United States, and the rest of the World, for 47 years,” adding, “They will be laughing no longer!” Two hours later, he further commented on the platform, “I have just read the response from Iran’s so-called ‘Representatives’. I don’t like it — TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE!”
Earlier this week, Washington had presented Tehran with a 14-point proposal. This plan stipulated that Iran must agree not to develop nuclear weapons, halt all uranium enrichment for at least 12 years, and surrender its estimated 440kg (970lb) stock of 60 percent enriched uranium. In exchange, the US would gradually lift sanctions, unfreeze billions of dollars in Iranian assets, and end its naval blockade of Iranian ports.
This development occurs just a week before President Trump’s scheduled visit to China, a major importer of Iranian oil with significant strategic interests in the region.
Regarding the Hormuz blockade, the US and Iran have engaged in exchanges of fire in the Strait over the past week, yet neither side has declared the collapse of the ceasefire initiated on April 8. Trump believes Iran is “collapsing financially” and incurring daily losses of millions due to Washington’s naval blockade, which commenced on April 13. While analysts acknowledge the blockade’s impact, they suggest Iran possesses the economic and political resilience to withstand it. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Iran’s parliamentary speaker and lead negotiator, stated on Thursday that a full ceasefire is contingent on the lifting of the US naval blockade. In retaliation for US actions, Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz to all foreign shipping and seized several foreign-flagged vessels, having previously permitted passage for “friendly” ships.
Kamal Hyder of Al Jazeera in Islamabad highlighted Pakistan’s efforts to encourage Iran to find a “middle ground” in negotiations. He noted the sensitivity of the diplomacy, with details of Iran’s proposal remaining undisclosed, and mentioned that Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and China are also involved in mediation efforts. Hyder stressed the urgency for a deal, citing the critical global economic impact of the prolonged Hormuz blockade, particularly on Pakistan, where fuel prices are soaring. He suggested that Pakistan’s good relations with Iran and favorable standing with the Trump administration could facilitate a breakthrough, making the US response in the coming days crucial.
Abbas Aslani, a senior research fellow, clarified that Iran’s latest response is not a simple “yes or no” but rather a clarification of its views on the US text. He suggested that an initial peace agreement could foster a positive atmosphere and build trust. However, Aslani warned that continued US demands, such as Iran exporting highly enriched uranium or suspending enrichment for an extended period, could render any agreement impossible.
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