On Sunday, Iran officially responded to the latest U.S. peace proposal, utilizing Pakistan as an intermediary, as reported by Iran's state news agency, IRNA.
The Islamic Republic's response prioritizes the initial stage of talks on ending the regional conflict and securing maritime safety in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz. Discussions concerning Iran's nuclear program are deferred to a subsequent phase.
Pakistan's Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, confirmed the receipt of the document during a speech at the Pakistan Monument in Islamabad. He revealed that Field Marshal Asim Munir informed him of the Iranian response's arrival.
"Field Marshal just informed me that Iran's response has been received. I can't provide further details," Sharif stated before the nation's military and political leaders, citing diplomatic security concerns.
The Pakistani leader highlighted Islamabad's historical role in bringing Tehran and Washington back to the negotiating table amid a conflict that has significantly impacted global energy markets and regional stability.
Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Ismail Bagaei, had previously confirmed that Tehran was reviewing the U.S. proposal, which was in response to a 14-point Iranian peace plan submitted on May 1.
This Iranian plan, laid out in three phases, included a 15-year pause in uranium enrichment. However, it was rejected by Trump as "unacceptable," demanding a complete dismantling of the nuclear program and a 20-year moratorium.
The U.S. President had warned on Friday that without an Iranian response, he would resume Operation Project Freedom to escort ships through Hormuz, launched on May 3 with 15,000 troops and over 100 aircraft.
The conflict began on February 28, 2026, with Operation Epic Fury, a joint U.S.-Israel attack on Iran's nuclear facilities. Iran retaliated by closing the Strait of Hormuz on March 4, stranding between 1,550 and 2,000 vessels and approximately 20,000 sailors, causing Brent crude prices to soar from $67 to over $126 per barrel.
A ceasefire, mediated by Pakistan, took effect on April 8 after 39 days of hostilities. High-level negotiations took place in Islamabad on April 11 and 12, with JD Vance, Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner representing the U.S., but talks ended without agreement after more than 20 hours, primarily due to disagreements over the nuclear program.
Sunday also saw a new escalation: Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates reported attacks on their territories, the first since the ceasefire began. A projectile hit a vessel 23 nautical miles northeast of Doha, causing a small fire without casualties, and Qatar reported a drone attack on a cargo ship traveling from Abu Dhabi to Doha; Iranian media claimed the vessel was under a U.S. flag and carrying grain.
Russia, led by President Putin, has suggested storing enriched Iranian uranium on Russian soil as a potential compromise solution, which could address the main point of contention between Washington and Tehran.
Insights into Iran-U.S. Peace Negotiations
What is the main focus of Iran's initial negotiation phase?
Iran's initial negotiation phase centers on ending regional conflicts and ensuring maritime security in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz.
Why was Iran's 14-point peace plan rejected?
The 14-point peace plan was rejected by Trump due to its proposal for a 15-year pause in uranium enrichment, which he found unacceptable, demanding a complete dismantling and a 20-year moratorium.
What triggered the initial conflict between the U.S. and Iran?
The conflict was triggered by Operation Epic Fury on February 28, 2026, a joint U.S.-Israel attack on Iran's nuclear facilities, prompting Iran to close the Strait of Hormuz.