By Elsie Kamsiyochi
Iran has officially delivered its response to a United States proposal aimed at opening peace negotiations to end the ongoing war in the Gulf, according to Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency.
The development comes amid renewed regional tensions, drone activity across Gulf nations, and continued concerns over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a crucial global energy corridor that has become a focal point in the conflict.
The response reportedly relates to a U.S.-backed proposal that would first seek an end to active fighting before broader negotiations begin on more sensitive matters, including Iran’s nuclear ambitions and long-term regional security concerns. According to IRNA, the Iranian reply was sent through Pakistan, which has emerged as a key mediator attempting to bridge differences between Tehran and Washington. However, officials have not publicly disclosed the details of Iran’s position or whether it signals willingness for compromise.
The diplomatic exchange arrives at a delicate moment, as pressure intensifies on both sides to avoid a deeper regional crisis. While there had been roughly two days of relative calm following intermittent clashes last week, Gulf states reported renewed security threats on Sunday after hostile drones were detected in multiple countries, highlighting the fragility of the month-old ceasefire.
Despite rising tensions, there were signs of limited progress in maritime activity through the Strait of Hormuz. A major liquefied natural gas carrier operated by QatarEnergy, the Al Kharaitiyat, safely navigated the strategically important waterway and headed toward Pakistan’s Port Qasim. Shipping analysts described the passage as significant because it marked the first Qatari LNG vessel to transit the strait since the conflict escalated following the U.S. and Israeli military campaign that began on February 28.
The successful crossing offered a measure of economic relief to Pakistan, which has faced severe electricity shortages and blackouts due to interruptions in critical gas imports. Sources familiar with the matter suggested Iran approved the tanker’s passage as a confidence-building gesture toward both Pakistan and Qatar, two nations playing an active diplomatic role in attempts to broker peace.
In another notable development, a Panama-flagged cargo vessel reportedly crossed the strait after initially delaying its journey earlier in the month. Iranian media said the vessel followed a route designated by Iran’s armed forces, reflecting Tehran’s growing influence over movement through the waterway.
The Strait of Hormuz has become one of the war’s most dangerous flashpoints. Before hostilities erupted, roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply passed through the narrow maritime corridor separating Iran from Oman. Since the conflict intensified, Iran has imposed severe restrictions on non-Iranian shipping, effectively tightening control over one of the world’s most important trade routes and fueling fears of a prolonged global energy crisis.
Meanwhile, regional tensions showed no sign of disappearing. The United Arab Emirates announced that its air defense systems intercepted two drones allegedly launched from Iran, while Qatar condemned a drone strike targeting a cargo vessel in its territorial waters. Kuwait also reported responding to hostile drones entering its airspace, underscoring how instability is spilling across neighboring countries despite ceasefire efforts.
Diplomatic pressure has intensified ahead of U.S. President Donald Trump’s scheduled visit to China this week. Analysts say Washington is eager to show progress toward ending the war before the trip, especially as prolonged instability in the Gulf threatens global markets, drives up energy prices, and raises political concerns domestically among American voters already struggling with rising fuel costs.
Qatar has continued to play an active diplomatic role in mediation efforts. Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani reportedly discussed Pakistan’s peace efforts with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio during a meeting in Miami.
In separate talks, Al-Thani also warned Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi against using the Strait of Hormuz as political leverage, stressing that freedom of navigation must remain protected to prevent further escalation.
At the same time, Iranian lawmakers are reportedly drafting legislation that could formally strengthen Tehran’s authority over the strait, including restrictions on ships linked to countries considered hostile to Iran. Such a move could deepen concerns among international shipping companies and global energy markets.
The United States has also faced mounting frustration over a lack of international support. Washington has reportedly criticized some NATO allies for refusing to contribute naval forces to reopen the Strait of Hormuz without a broader peace agreement and international authorization.
Rubio recently questioned why several European allies had not taken stronger action, warning that allowing Iran to control a major international waterway could establish a dangerous global precedent.
Britain, however, has begun preparing for a possible multinational maritime security mission. The UK announced it would deploy a warship to the Middle East, potentially as part of future efforts to guarantee safe passage through the strait once conditions stabilize.
Although diplomatic channels remain open, recent drone incidents and maritime tensions demonstrate how fragile the situation remains.
Iran’s response to the U.S. peace proposal may offer a path toward negotiations, but with military confrontations still occurring and regional mistrust running deep, the prospect of a lasting resolution remains uncertain.
Source Reuters
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