Iran has confirmed receiving a formal response from the United States to its 14-point peace proposal, marking the first known direct diplomatic exchange between the two adversaries since the conflict began in February. The response was delivered through Pakistan, which has served as a crucial intermediary throughout the crisis.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei confirmed the development, telling the state-linked Tasnim news agency that the US response was being reviewed by Tehran. The confirmation came just hours after President Donald Trump told Israel’s Kan News that the Iranian proposal was “unacceptable” to him.
What Iran’s 14-Point Proposal Actually Demands
According to Iranian state media, Tehran’s comprehensive peace plan calls for:
- 📌 Withdrawal of US forces from near Iran’s borders
- 📌 End to the US naval blockade of Iranian ports
- 📌 Ceasefire covering all fronts, including Israel’s offensive in Lebanon
- 📌 30-day deadline for reaching a comprehensive agreement
- 📌 Focus on “ending the war” rather than extending the current ceasefire
Notably, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman stated categorically that “at this stage, we do not have nuclear negotiations” — a significant concession that addresses one of Washington’s primary demands, while also signaling that Tehran considers its nuclear programme non-negotiable in the current framework.
Trump’s Response: “Not Acceptable” But Not Rejected
The mixed signals from Washington are striking. On one hand, Trump confirmed receiving the proposal on Truth Social, writing: “I will soon be reviewing the plan that Iran has just sent to us, but can’t imagine that it would be acceptable in that they have not yet paid a big enough price for what they have done to Humanity, and the World, over the last 47 years.”
On the other hand, the fact that a formal written response was delivered through Pakistan suggests the administration is engaging diplomatically, even as the president’s public rhetoric remains hawkish. Trump told reporters in Palm Beach that he had been briefed on “the concept of the deal” and was awaiting “the exact wording.”
“If they misbehave. If they do something bad. But right now we’ll see.”
— President Donald Trump, when asked about renewing military strikes against Iran
Pakistan’s Pivotal Role as Diplomatic Intermediary
Pakistan has emerged as the unexpected fulcrum of US-Iran diplomacy. The country’s unique position — maintaining relations with both Washington and Tehran, while also being a major Muslim-majority nation with its own geopolitical interests — has made it an acceptable conduit for both sides.
The backchannel through Islamabad reportedly began weeks ago, when Iran first floated the possibility of a comprehensive settlement. Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry has maintained strict silence on its role, consistent with the sensitivity of the mediation effort.
Diplomatic analysts note that Pakistan’s involvement also reflects a broader regional calculation: Islamabad has deep economic ties with Gulf states affected by the Strait of Hormuz disruption, giving it a direct stake in resolving the conflict quickly.
Project Freedom: A Parallel Track
Even as the diplomatic channel operates, Trump has moved forward with “Project Freedom” — a plan to guide commercial ships out of the Strait of Hormuz beginning Monday. The initiative is framed as a “humanitarian gesture” to free vessels that have been trapped since Iran severely restricted traffic through the waterway.
“For the good of Iran, the Middle East, and the United States, we have told these Countries that we will guide their Ships safely out of these restricted Waterways,” Trump posted on social media. He warned that any interference “will have to be dealt with forcefully.”
The dual-track approach — military pressure through Project Freedom alongside diplomatic engagement through Pakistan — mirrors the Trump administration’s strategy of combining maximum pressure with deal-making. Whether this combination succeeds or collapses into renewed hostilities remains the defining question of the moment.
What Happens Next
Several key developments are expected in the coming days:
- Iran’s formal response to the US counter-proposal — Tehran is reviewing the US response and is expected to issue its position within days
- Project Freedom launch on Monday — the first guided ship movements through the Strait could either de-escalate tensions or trigger confrontation with the IRGC
- The 30-day clock — Iran’s proposal includes a one-month deadline for reaching agreement, creating pressure on both sides
- Congressional War Powers vote — the Trump administration argues the conflict “terminated” before the 60-day War Powers deadline, a claim lawmakers are challenging
The stakes could not be higher. Oil prices remain above $105 per barrel. Global shipping has been disrupted for months. And the fragile ceasefire — which both sides have accused the other of violating — could collapse at any moment.
Whether the Pakistan backchannel produces a breakthrough or becomes yet another failed diplomatic initiative in a conflict that has already reshaped global energy markets, supply chains, and geopolitical alliances, remains to be seen. One thing is certain: the next 72 hours will be decisive.
