Iran states US has replied to its most recent peace offer, according to Iranian state-linked media. The response, reportedly delivered via Pakistan, is currently under review by Iran’s foreign ministry, as reported by the Tasnim news agency. However, the US has not formally confirmed that it has responded to Tehran’s proposal.
Iran states US: what to know
Details of Iran’s Peace Proposal and US Reaction
Iran’s 14-point peace plan calls for several key actions, including the withdrawal of US forces from areas near Iran’s borders, an end to the US naval blockade of Iranian ports, and a cessation of all hostilities, including Israel’s offensive in Lebanon. The proposal also requests that an agreement between the two countries be reached within 30 days. Iranian state media emphasized that the plan urges both sides to focus on ending the war rather than merely extending the current ceasefire.
Despite Iran’s announcement, US President Donald Trump reportedly told Israel’s Kan News that the proposal was unacceptable. On social media, Trump stated that he would review the plan but expressed skepticism about its acceptability, citing that Iran had not paid a sufficient price for its actions over the past decades.
Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baghaei, noted that there are currently no nuclear negotiations underway, which remains a key demand from Washington. Iran continues to deny seeking nuclear weapons, asserting that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes only, although it is the only non-nuclear-armed state to have enriched uranium near weapons-grade levels.
US Military and Diplomatic Developments
In related developments, President Trump announced a US initiative called “Project Freedom” to assist countries with ships stranded in the Strait of Hormuz. He stated that the US would guide these ships safely through the restricted waterways, warning that any interference would be met with force. Iran has significantly limited traffic through the strait since the conflict began, while the US has maintained a naval blockade on Iranian ports.
Trump also indicated that military strikes against targets inside Iran remain a possibility if Iran “misbehaves.” He emphasized that US forces are not withdrawing from the region and suggested a continued US presence to avoid future conflicts.
Political Context and Congressional Views
The Iranian peace proposal reportedly responds to a nine-point US plan that included a two-month ceasefire. Meanwhile, Trump has argued that he does not need Congressional approval to continue military actions, claiming the conflict has been “terminated” since the ceasefire took effect. By law, the US president must obtain Congressional approval within 60 days of notifying lawmakers of military action, or else cease hostilities.
Some US lawmakers, including Republicans, have expressed frustration with the ongoing conflict. Senator Josh Hawley called for a redeployment of forces and emphasized the need for Congressional approval to continue the war. Senator Lisa Murkowski expressed doubts about the success of the operation and cautioned against an abrupt US withdrawal that could leave Iran’s critical capabilities intact, while also rejecting the idea of an open-ended war.