Iran Sends Response to US Peace Proposal via Pakistan Mediator
Iran has sent its response to a US proposal to end the 71-day Middle East war to Pakistan as a mediator, marking a critical moment in ceasefire negotiations. The US and Iran remain in diplomatic talks over key issues including the Strait of Hormuz and Iran's nuclear program, amid ongoing ceasefire violations.
Diplomatic Development
Iranian media is reporting that Tehran has sent to mediator Pakistan its response to a US proposal to end the war. The United States continues to wait for Iran's response to its latest proposal to end the war that spilled into the region, including Lebanon, and triggered a global energy crisis due to Tehran's de facto blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, with the Trump administration expecting the Iranian government to respond by Friday but Tehran saying it is still reviewing the offer and insisting any agreement must be "fair and comprehensive".
Key Sticking Points
Iran continues to review the proposal as Tehran's nuclear programme and Strait of Hormuz remain main sticking points. Washington floated a 14-point proposal earlier this week, which requires Iran to end its nuclear programme for at least 12 years and open the Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of global crude oil and gas passes.
Continuing Tensions
Iran warned it would launch a "heavy assault" on US assets in the Middle East if its ships face further attacks in the waters surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, where the two sides have traded strikes in recent days. The United Kingdom announced the deployment of a warship to the Middle East ahead of a potential mission to protect shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, with the Royal Navy's HMS Dragon set to support mine clearance efforts and protect vessels as part of a "strictly defensive" plan.