Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi revealed that Tehran’s updated proposal, conveyed to the United States through Pakistan, demands the removal of sanctions, the release of frozen Iranian funds, and the cessation of maritime restrictions. This development comes amid ongoing backchannel efforts to resolve the conflict, which have yet to yield significant progress.
Gharibabadi further outlined that the proposal includes a comprehensive ceasefire across multiple fronts, notably in Lebanon, alongside the withdrawal of US forces stationed near Iran. Additionally, Tehran seeks compensation for damages incurred during wartime. The plan represents a broad framework aimed at de-escalating tensions while addressing Iran’s core economic and security concerns.
Earlier, a Pakistani diplomatic source involved in the mediation process confirmed that Islamabad had relayed Iran’s revised proposal to Washington. However, the source cautioned that negotiations remain stalled due to shifting demands on both sides, complicating efforts to find common ground. “We don’t have much time,” the source emphasized, noting that both parties are “changing their goalposts.”
This exchange occurs as indirect contacts between Iran and the US continue amidst rising regional tensions and competing ceasefire initiatives, with ongoing battlefield developments further clouding the diplomatic outlook. Iranian Foreign Ministry officials have stressed that Tehran’s immediate priority is to end the war.
On the same day, US President Donald Trump announced he had halted a planned military strike on Iran after receiving the new peace proposal. He expressed optimism about the possibility of reaching a nuclear agreement, stating there was a “very good chance” for a deal. Trump instructed the US military to pause the scheduled attack but warned that forces remain prepared for a “full, large scale assault” if talks fail.
Trump did not disclose details of the alleged attack plan, which had not been previously made public, and independent verification of such preparations was unavailable. These developments follow weeks of conflict triggered by US-Israeli strikes on Iran in late February, which heightened tensions across the Middle East and disrupted critical shipping lanes through the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump also mentioned that leaders from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates urged him to delay military action, expressing confidence in a diplomatic resolution. He reiterated that Washington’s primary goal remains preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. “There seems to be a very good chance that they can work something out,” Trump said. “If we can do that without bombing the hell out of them, I would be very happy.”
