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In a significant diplomatic manoeuvre aimed at de-escalating regional tensions, Tehran has reportedly submitted a "new proposal" to Washington through Pakistani intermediaries. According to a report by news outlet Axios, the Iranian offer outlines a framework to "reopen the Strait of Hormuz and end the war," signalling a potential breakthrough in the protracted conflict.
The diplomatic initiative surfaces at a time when peace efforts have largely stalled. US President Donald Trump recently remarked that Tehran could "call" Washington should it wish to negotiate, while maintaining his firm stance that Iran must never acquire nuclear weapons. This momentum for direct talks appeared to wane after the White House cancelled a scheduled visit to Islamabad by envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. The move was widely interpreted as a sign of "dissatisfaction with Tehran''s earlier offer," further complicating the path to a resolution. Central to the current impasse is the American demand that Iran cease uranium enrichment for a minimum of ten years and relocate its current nuclear stockpile abroad. However, the report indicates that Iran''s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi informed mediators during the weekend that there is currently "no consensus within the Iranian leadership" regarding a response to these specific requirements. The framework delivered via Pakistan suggests a "two-stage plan" that seeks to address the maritime crisis and the US naval blockade as a priority. This latest proposal envisions either a "prolonged period" of ceasefire extension or a "permanent end to the war." Under this arrangement, nuclear discussions would only "begin only at a later stage," specifically after the maritime passage is cleared and the blockade is removed. While Axios reports that the White House has officially "received the proposal," it remains "unclear whether the United States is willing to explore it." In recent days, Abbas Araghchi has been engaged in shuttle diplomacy between Pakistan and Oman, and is scheduled for further high-level talks with Vladimir Putin in Russia on Monday. This regional outreach comes as the American leadership remains sceptical of long-distance diplomacy. On Sunday, President Trump expressed his reluctance to deploy a negotiating team, stating, "I see no point of sending them (US negotiators) on an 18-hour flight in the current situation. It''s too long." He further added, "We can do it just as well by telephone. The Iranians can call us if they want. We are not gonna travel just to sit there." Despite a cessation of full-scale combat following US-Israeli military strikes on February 28, a formal peace treaty has yet to materialise. The ongoing hostilities have resulted in thousands of casualties and significant global economic instability. Tehran continues to use its strategic position over the Strait of Hormuz, a conduit for approximately 20 per cent of global oil, as leverage. Meanwhile, the US maritime blockade of Iranian ports continues to drive "price spikes and market volatility." Tehran has maintained that Washington must first eliminate "obstacles," most notably the naval blockade, before substantive talks can take place. The Iranian position also includes requests for "compensation," a revised "legal framework governing the strait," and assurances against future military intervention. Conversely, the US remains focused on forcing Iran to scale back its "nuclear ambitions," missile development, and ties to regional groups. These conflicting priorities illustrate the "wide gaps" that continue to divide the two nations as they navigate this fragile diplomatic opening. (ANI)
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