A new proposal to end the US-Iran conflict is on the table, but the outcome is still uncertain. Iran is reviewing a new US proposal to end the more than two-month-long war and will communicate its position through mediator Pakistan, an Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson said on Wednesday, according to news agency ISNA.
The statement signals that diplomatic channels are still active and Pakistan continues to act as a go-between as Washington and Tehran avoid direct talks. At the same time, US President Donald Trump issued a parallel track of pressure, warning minutes earlier of serious consequences if Iran rejects the proposal.
On Truth Social, Trump posted: “Assuming Iran agrees to give what has been agreed to, which is, perhaps, a big assumption, the already legendary Ell allow the Hormuz Strait to be OPEN TO ALL, including Iran.”
“If they don’t agree, the bombing starts, and it will be, sadly, at a much higher level and intensity than it was before,” he added.
As Washington waits for Tehran’s response, Trump ruled out an immediate shift towards direct negotiations. Speaking to the New York Post, Trump said it was “too soon” to consider face-to-face talks with Iran.
WHITE HOUSE EYES MOU WITH IRAN
Behind the scenes, the White House believes it is nearing a understanding with Iran, according to a report by Axios. The proposed deal has a one-page memorandum of understanding (MOU) intended to stop the war and open the door for negotiations.
Sources told Axios that the US expects feedback from Iran within the next 48 hours. So far, no agreement has been finalised. Some officials have said the current moment is the closest the two sides have ever come to a deal since the conflict began.
The draft framework reportedly includes provisions for Iran to pause nuclear enrichment, while the US would move towards lifting sanctions and releasing billions of dollars in frozen Iranian funds. Both sides would also lift blockage in Strait of Hormuz.
TERMS STILL IN FLUX
Despite signs of progress, several major elements of the proposed deal are still being negotiated. According to the report, the MOU would trigger a 30-day window for detailed talks, during which both sides would gradually roll back military and economic measures.
The US indicated that if negotiations collapse during this period, Washington could reinstate its blockade or resume military operations.
A particularly controversial issue is how long these restrictions on the duration of Iran’s uranium enrichment programme will last. According to report, the US is seeking a restriction that could last as long as 12 to 15 years. Other measures under consideration include increased inspections by UN officials and a commitment not to develop nuclear weapons.
US, IRAN KEEP THEIR GUARD UP
Even as reports point to progress, the White House believes Iran’s leadership is split, which complicates efforts to reach consensus. Some US officials are doubtful that even an initial agreement can be secured.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio admitted the complexity of the negotiations. “We don’t have to have the actual agreement written in one day,” he said. “This is highly complex and technical. But we have to have a diplomatic solution that is very clear on the topics they are willing to negotiate on and the extent of the concessions they are willing to make at the front end in order to make it worthwhile,” he added.
Iranian officials have also cast doubt on the reported framework. A senior Iranian MP said the Axios account reflects “more an American wish list than reality.”
In a post on X, he said that the US “will not gain anything in losing war that they have not gained in face-to-face talks”.
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