By Elsie Kamsiyochi
Pakistan has reportedly handed the United States a revised peace proposal from Iran in an urgent diplomatic effort to prevent a fragile ceasefire from collapsing and to bring an end to the growing conflict in the Middle East. The proposal, delivered through Islamabad, comes as tensions remain dangerously high following weeks of military confrontation involving Iran, the United States, and Israel.
According to sources familiar with the negotiations, the latest Iranian proposal contains terms broadly similar to previous offers that Washington had already rejected. However, Iranian officials suggest there has been some movement behind closed doors, with signs that the U.S. may be softening its stance on key issues.
Pakistan has emerged as an important diplomatic intermediary in recent weeks, acting as a communication bridge between Tehran and Washington after hosting a rare round of peace talks last month. Officials in Islamabad confirmed that Iran’s revised proposal had been passed to U.S. authorities, although insiders warned that negotiations remain difficult and time-sensitive.
A Pakistani source involved in the process reportedly expressed frustration at the slow pace of diplomacy, saying both sides continue to shift their positions during discussions. The source warned that time is running out to secure a lasting agreement before tensions spiral again.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson confirmed that Tehran had sent its latest position to the United States through Pakistan but declined to provide details about the contents of the proposal. Meanwhile, Washington has yet to issue an official public response.
Focus on Ending the War First
Iran’s revised proposal reportedly prioritizes an immediate end to hostilities before addressing deeper political disputes. Tehran is said to be pushing for a ceasefire, the reopening of the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, and the removal of maritime restrictions that have severely disrupted trade and energy supplies.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical shipping routes, carrying a significant portion of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies. Ongoing disruptions in the area have heightened fears of energy instability and rising economic pressure worldwide.
More controversial topics—including Iran’s nuclear programme and uranium enrichment activities—would reportedly be postponed for later negotiations under the new framework. Iranian officials appear to believe that reducing military tensions first could create conditions for broader diplomatic progress.
Signs of Flexibility from Washington
In what may signal a shift in U.S. policy, an Iranian source claimed that Washington had agreed in principle to release approximately one-quarter of Iran’s frozen overseas assets, amounting to tens of billions of dollars held in foreign financial institutions. Tehran, however, is reportedly demanding full access to the funds.
Iranian officials also claim the United States has shown greater openness toward allowing limited peaceful nuclear activity to continue under the supervision of the , a move that could represent a compromise compared to previous U.S. demands for a complete dismantling of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.
Separate reports from Iranian media suggested Washington could temporarily ease oil sanctions while negotiations continue, although neither side has formally confirmed the claim.
Ceasefire Remains Fragile
The renewed diplomatic push comes against the backdrop of a fragile ceasefire established after six weeks of warfare triggered by joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iranian targets. Despite a pause in fighting, tensions remain high and confidence between the two sides appears deeply strained.
U.S. President recently warned that the ceasefire was “on life support,” signaling growing frustration in Washington over stalled negotiations. The U.S. has consistently demanded unrestricted maritime access through the Strait of Hormuz and stronger limits on Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
Iran, meanwhile, has insisted on compensation for wartime damage, the lifting of sanctions affecting its ports, and a broader regional ceasefire that includes fighting in Lebanon involving the Iran-backed group Hezbollah.
Trump intensified pressure over the weekend in a strongly worded social media statement, warning Tehran that “time is of the essence” and suggesting severe consequences if diplomatic progress is not made quickly.
Reports indicate Trump is expected to meet senior national security advisers to discuss potential next steps, including the possibility of renewed military action should diplomacy fail.
Despite the threats, Tehran has signaled that it remains prepared for either negotiations or escalation. Baghaei stated that Iran was ready to respond decisively to any mistake by its adversaries, underscoring the high stakes surrounding the talks.
With diplomacy hanging in the balance, Pakistan’s role as mediator could prove crucial in determining whether the region moves toward peace or slips back into open conflict.
Source Reuters
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