The divide between Washington and Tehran over ending the conflict remains significant, with both sides maintaining firm positions despite growing international calls for a ceasefire. While messages continue to be exchanged through intermediaries, there has been little indication of a breakthrough. Amid the ongoing deadlock, US President Donald Trump issued a strong warning to Iran, urging its leadership to take the ceasefire proposal seriously. His remarks came as reports suggested that Washington had presented a detailed framework aimed at ending the conflict, even though Tehran has rejected direct negotiations with the United States.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump criticised Iran’s response to the proposal, claiming that Iranian negotiators were seeking an agreement while publicly downplaying the offer. He argued that Iran had suffered major military setbacks and warned that failing to act soon could lead to consequences from which there would be no return.
Indirect communication between the two countries is continuing through mediators, with Pakistan playing a key role in relaying messages. Turkey and Egypt are also reportedly assisting diplomatic efforts. According to Pakistan’s foreign minister, the United States has submitted a 15-point proposal to Iran through Islamabad in an attempt to create a pathway toward a ceasefire.
The proposed framework reportedly calls for major changes to Iran’s military and nuclear policies. It includes restrictions on Tehran’s nuclear programme, an end to support for regional proxy groups, and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The proposal also seeks a month-long ceasefire to allow negotiations to take place. Additional provisions reportedly involve dismantling parts of Iran’s missile programme and military infrastructure. In exchange, Washington is said to be offering limited sanctions relief, support for a UN-supervised civilian nuclear programme with fuel production located outside Iran, and potential economic cooperation aimed at helping Iran’s struggling economy. However, given Iran’s longstanding opposition to similar demands, acceptance of the proposal in its current form appears unlikely.
Iran has acknowledged receiving and reviewing proposals but has firmly rejected the idea of direct negotiations with the United States. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stressed that exchanges through intermediaries should not be interpreted as formal talks, stating that while messages are being conveyed through various channels, there are currently no negotiations with Washington. He also dismissed American claims of progress, arguing that the United States had failed to achieve its objectives in the conflict, including securing a rapid victory or bringing about regime change in Iran.
In response to the US proposal, Iran has reportedly presented its own five-point framework for ending the war. The conditions include a complete cessation of what it describes as aggression, guarantees against the resumption of hostilities, compensation for war-related damages, an end to military actions involving allied resistance groups across different fronts, and recognition of Iranian sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz.
