Islamabad, Pakistan. Pakistan has shared with the United States a revised proposal from Iran to end the conflict in the Middle East, a Pakistani source told Reuters on Monday, as peace talks appeared to remain stalled.
Revised proposal conveyed through Pakistan
A Pakistani source said there was little time to close gaps, adding that both countries “keep changing their goalposts”. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei confirmed that Tehran’s views had been “conveyed to the American side through mediator Pakistan”.
Ceasefire described as fragile
U.S. President Donald Trump said last week that a ceasefire with Iran reached in early April was “on life support” after Tehran’s response to a U.S. proposal to end the war indicated the two sides remained far apart on a number of issues.
Key issues in negotiations
Issues holding up negotiations include Iran’s nuclear ambitions and its control of the Strait of Hormuz, where it has shut down shipping traffic that normally carries one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas.
Iran has called for an end to the war on all fronts, including Lebanon, where U.S. ally Israel is fighting Iran-backed Hezbollah militants. Tehran has ruled out discussing its nuclear programme before the “permanent end of hostilities”.
Iran’s demands and warnings
Tehran also wants compensation for war damage, an end to the U.S. naval blockade, a guarantee of no further attacks, and resumption of Iranian oil sales. Baghaei said Tehran was prepared for all scenarios.
“As for their threats, rest assured that we are fully aware of how to respond appropriately to even the smallest mistake from the opposing side,” Baghaei told a televised weekly press conference.
What do you think are the main obstacles to reaching an agreement between Iran and the United States?