US President Donald Trump presented a 15-point proposal with Iran aimed at ending the conflict in the Middle East, saying that… “It all starts with the fact that they can’t have a nuclear weapon,” Signaling a renewed diplomatic push even as military operations continue, according to a report by The New York Times citing officials familiar with the matter.The plan, relayed through Pakistan, outlines key issues including Iran’s missile and nuclear programmes, as Washington seeks a “secondary exit” to a war that is now in its fourth week and has expanded to include several countries. Israeli Channel 12 said that Trump proposes a one-month ceasefire during which the two sides will discuss a proposal that includes handing over enriched Iranian uranium and banning further enrichment.
The New York Times said it had not reviewed the document but was told it also addressed maritime security concerns. Since the conflict began on February 28, Iran has effectively restricted Western shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting global oil and gas supplies and driving up prices.
The proposal also tends to indicate that Iran will ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.The Israeli report, according to Agence France-Presse, stated that after adhering to the plan, Iran, in turn, will witness an end to all sanctions imposed on it in various forms for years.
Iran will also receive assistance in developing civilian nuclear power at Bushehr, a key site dating back to before the 1979 Islamic Revolution. However, it remains unclear how widespread this proposal is within the Iranian leadership or whether Tehran is willing to engage on it. There is also no clarity on whether Israel supports this initiative.Despite diplomatic outreach, hostilities show no immediate signs of abating.
Israeli officials indicated that military operations may continue for weeks. White House Press Secretary Carolyn Leavitt acknowledged the parallel diplomatic efforts, saying: “As President Trump and his negotiators explore this newfound potential for diplomacy, Operation Epic Fury continues unabated to achieve the military goals set by the Commander in Chief and the Pentagon.
“Pakistan and its army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, have been presenting themselves as potential mediators, taking advantage of reported ties with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to facilitate communications.
Egypt and Turkey are also encouraging Tehran to engage constructively, officials said.The report stated that Mounir contacted the Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, and suggested that Pakistan host the talks between the two sides. In support of the initiative, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that his country “fully supports ongoing efforts to continue dialogue to end” the conflict. “Provided the approval of the United States and Iran, Pakistan is ready and honored to be the host to facilitate meaningful and decisive talks for a comprehensive settlement of the ongoing conflict,” he said in a social media post.Iran’s ability to respond quickly remains uncertain. Senior officials reportedly face communications challenges and security concerns, fearing targeted strikes if they meet in person. Early in the conflict, Israeli strikes killed several senior Iranian leaders, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, creating uncertainty over Tehran’s decision-making authority.While the United States and Israel have targeted Iran’s missile infrastructure and nuclear facilities, Iran continues to launch strikes against Israel and neighboring countries. It is also believed to hold large stocks of highly enriched uranium.Recent diplomatic endeavors suggest that Washington may be open, at least for now, to allowing the current Iranian regime to remain in place in a weak form, even as previous positions on regime change have fluctuated.
