ISLAMABAD/WASHINGTON/TEL AVIV – Iran said it is reviewing a new proposal from the United States to end the ongoing conflict in the Gulf, as U.S. President Donald Trump warned of intensified military action if Tehran does not move to reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.
According to Iranian officials, a response to the U.S. proposal will be relayed through Pakistan, which has hosted the only direct peace talks and continues to serve as a key intermediary between Washington and Tehran. Sources familiar with the negotiations said both sides are nearing agreement on a preliminary one-page memorandum aimed at ending hostilities, with more complex issues such as Iran’s nuclear program to be addressed in subsequent talks.
The draft framework reportedly includes provisions to restore shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, ease U.S. sanctions, and establish parameters for future nuclear negotiations. If accepted, it would trigger a 30-day period of detailed discussions toward a comprehensive agreement that could involve sanctions relief, the release of frozen Iranian funds, and limits on uranium enrichment.
Despite signs of progress, tensions remain high. In a social media post, Trump said the conflict could end soon if Iran accepts the terms under discussion, but warned of renewed bombing if it does not. “If they don’t agree, the bombing starts,” he said, underscoring the fragile nature of the diplomatic momentum.
Trump also confirmed he had paused a U.S. naval effort to escort commercial vessels through the strait, citing advances in negotiations. The mission, launched earlier this week, had limited success and coincided with renewed Iranian strikes on shipping routes and nearby regional targets.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards signaled that safe passage through the strait could be restored under new conditions, though no specifics were provided. Meanwhile, an incident involving a French container ship struck in the waterway highlighted the continued risks to maritime traffic.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical global energy corridor. Its effective closure by Iran has disrupted oil and gas shipments, driven up fuel prices, and strained economies worldwide. Although oil prices fell sharply on reports of a potential deal, they remain significantly above pre-conflict levels.
Diplomatic efforts have expanded beyond U.S.-Iran channels. During a visit to Beijing, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who called for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire. China, a key economic partner of Iran, has urged all parties to pursue dialogue and avoid further escalation.
The Trump administration has also pressed Beijing to use its influence to encourage Tehran to reopen the strait. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed hope that China would reinforce the need for de-escalation, warning that Iran risks further international isolation.
Iranian officials, however, continue to signal caution. Lawmaker Ebrahim Rezaei described the reported U.S. proposal as “more of an American wish list than a reality,” while Araqchi reiterated that Tehran seeks a fair and comprehensive agreement.
Pakistan’s leadership welcomed the temporary pause in U.S. naval operations, expressing optimism that ongoing mediation efforts could lead to a durable settlement. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the development could help advance regional stability and emphasized Islamabad’s commitment to diplomatic solutions.
While the emerging framework offers a potential path to de-escalation, significant gaps remain, particularly over Iran’s nuclear activities, missile program, and regional alliances. The coming days are expected to be critical in determining whether the current momentum can translate into a lasting agreement or give way to renewed conflict.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
