Iran sends its response to US proposal aimed at ending the war, IRNA says - Reuters

<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiuAFBVV95cUxNRTVYY01aTFVfdnI2Z0pyRWhRcGI4X3dlTlJLX2RzaWdTZnZMRkFHRjNTb3FCR25IZW1SNE83al92N1VRR2E1UXpES3djcF9SS2N3VHdib3dqcWRGOXZzVkN5R0JLTVNRb3hCcFhvUFVSTmlweFZsVTZNVmlJNTJTRExmVm00Zlk2T2RDZ0lEeW1KaWlWLVNfTGZVZUM5Wk9uNS0yZDhBTTJ0QUJ5Qk5uOC1DRklTYUFa?oc=5" target="_blank">Iran sends its response to US proposal aimed at ending the war, IRNA says</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<font color="#6f6f6f">Reuters</font>

Iran has responded to a U.S.-proposed ceasefire deal through Pakistani mediators, expressing a desire to negotiate a permanent end to the ongoing conflict across various fronts, including in Lebanon with Hezbollah. The Iranian government emphasized regional stability and secure maritime trade routes, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz, but deferred nuclear discussions for later. Meanwhile, tensions escalated as drones targeted ships and airspace in Qatar, the UAE, and Kuwait, with Iranian involvement suspected but unconfirmed.

The U.S. and Iran are reportedly close to reaching a significant diplomatic breakthrough, negotiating a one-page, 14-point memorandum of understanding (MOU) that could end ongoing conflict and serve as a foundation for more detailed nuclear discussions. According to U.S. officials and other sources, this is the closest both countries have come to an agreement since the war began. Key sticking points include the duration of a moratorium on uranium enrichment—initial U.S. demands were for 20 years, Iran proposed 5, and negotiators now see 15 years as a likely compromise. Notably, Iran may agree to remove highly enriched uranium from its territory, marking a significant concession. However, internal divisions within Iran’s leadership and U.S. skepticism over Iran’s commitment to any deal present challenges. The negotiations involve envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, working both directly and through mediators. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the importance of progress, even if the final agreement isn’t immediate.

U.S. Vice President Vance met with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdul Rahman al-Thani on Friday as the United States awaits Iran’s response to a draft peace agreement. Although Pakistan is the official mediator in the conflict between the U.S. and Iran, Qatar’s behind-the-scenes efforts have been considered particularly effective by U.S. officials. The meeting focused on ongoing mediation efforts as the White House anticipates feedback on a one-page memorandum of understanding (MOU) designed to end the war and establish a framework for future nuclear negotiations. Qatar has played a consistent role in facilitating talks even prior to the outbreak of hostilities in June 2025 and has recently resumed its backstage diplomatic work. The Qatari foreign ministry confirmed that the discussion revolved around mediation between the U.S. and Iran.

Amid renewed efforts to end the Iran war, recent negotiations between Tehran and the U.S. have been mired in confusion and conflicting statements. Reports revealed that Tehran is reviewing a U.S. proposal to end hostilities and initiate a 30-day negotiation window toward a comprehensive agreement. However, mixed messages from both Iranian and Trump administration officials have left the talks shrouded in uncertainty, offering little clarity or detail. President Donald Trump issued a stern warning early Wednesday, threatening intensified bombing if Iran fails to honor prior commitments, yet later expressed optimism about the progress of negotiations. Iranian reactions were varied—while one spokesperson indicated a formal response would be conveyed via Pakistan, another dismissed the U.S. proposal as overly ambitious. The proposed memorandum includes mutual concessions such as a moratorium on nuclear enrichment by Iran, sanctions relief from the U.S., and eased transit through the Strait of Hormuz. Still, it stops short of addressing critical U.S. demands on Iran's nuclear program. Analysts suggest that Trump's personal style and reluctance to compromise could hinder the delicate diplomatic process needed to finalize a deal.

As tensions persist in the Persian Gulf, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard navy warned that any U.S. attack on its oil tankers or commercial vessels would provoke a "heavy assault" on U.S. bases and ships, despite a fragile ceasefire still holding. This comes after the U.S. struck two Iranian tankers, claiming they attempted to breach a blockade imposed on Iran’s ports. Simultaneously, Bahrain announced the arrest of 41 individuals allegedly affiliated with Iran’s Revolutionary Guard and involved in financing terrorism. Iran responded by warning Bahrain of severe consequences. The conflict has disrupted operations in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, essential for global energy transportation, with Iran largely blocking it since the U.S. and Israeli offensive began in late February. U.S. forces reportedly turned back 58 ships and disabled four since enforcing their blockade on April 13. Meanwhile, Britain and France are preparing for a mission to secure commercial navigation in the strait after hostilities cease. Diplomatic efforts persist, with Russia, Pakistan, Qatar, and Egypt pushing for sustained negotiations. Russia also proposed managing Iran’s enriched uranium under international oversight. Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei remains publicly absent, with officials insisting he is recovering from war-inflicted injuries.