Iran said on Wednesday that it is reviewing a fresh proposal from the United States aimed at ending the more than two-month-long conflict between the two countries, with Tehran expected to communicate its response through Pakistan, which continues to serve as a key intermediary in the absence of direct negotiations between Washington and Tehran. According to Iranian media reports citing a foreign ministry spokesperson, diplomatic channels remain active despite ongoing tensions, suggesting that both sides are still exploring the possibility of a negotiated settlement even as military threats and economic pressure continue in parallel. Pakistan’s role as a mediator has become increasingly important during the conflict, allowing indirect communication to continue while both governments avoid formal face-to-face engagement.
The diplomatic developments came alongside a sharp warning from US President Donald Trump, who indicated that Iran could face renewed military escalation if it rejects the proposal. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said that if Iran agrees to the framework currently under discussion, the US military operation known as “Epic Fury” would end and restrictions affecting movement through the Strait of Hormuz could be eased, allowing maritime traffic, including Iranian shipping, to resume normally. However, he also warned that failure to accept the deal could lead to a resumption of bombing campaigns at “a much higher level and intensity” than before. The comments highlighted Washington’s dual-track approach of combining diplomatic engagement with continued military and economic pressure in an effort to force concessions from Tehran.
Behind the scenes, reports indicate that the White House believes the two sides may be closer to an agreement than at any previous point since the conflict began. According to sources cited by Axios, US officials have drafted a one-page memorandum of understanding intended to create a framework for ending the war and opening the door for broader negotiations. The proposal reportedly includes provisions for Iran to pause uranium enrichment activities while the United States would move toward easing sanctions and releasing frozen Iranian funds. Both sides would also take steps to reduce tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, where repeated confrontations have disrupted global shipping and energy markets. American officials are reportedly expecting feedback from Tehran within the next two days, although no final agreement has yet been reached.
Despite signs of progress, several key issues remain unresolved and continue to complicate negotiations. One of the most contentious points concerns how long Iran would be expected to restrict its nuclear enrichment programme. Reports suggest Washington is seeking limits that could remain in place for as long as 12 to 15 years, alongside stricter international inspections and guarantees that Iran will not pursue nuclear weapons development. The proposed framework would reportedly create a 30-day negotiation window during which both countries would gradually roll back military operations and economic restrictions while attempting to finalise a more detailed settlement. However, the United States has also made clear that if talks collapse during that period, military operations and maritime blockades could quickly resume.
Both governments continue to publicly project caution and mistrust despite ongoing diplomatic efforts. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged the complexity of the discussions, saying that while a complete agreement could not be finalised immediately, there needed to be clarity about what concessions Iran was willing to make at the beginning of the process. Iranian officials, meanwhile, have expressed scepticism toward reports describing the proposed framework, with one senior Iranian lawmaker dismissing parts of the reported plan as “more an American wish list than reality.” The ongoing negotiations, therefore, remain highly fragile, taking place against the backdrop of continued military pressure, naval tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and deep disagreement over Iran’s nuclear programme and regional influence.
