Iran Submits New Proposal for US Negotiations Amid Ongoing War
Tehran has presented a new proposal for negotiations with the United States, according to Iranian state media and a Pakistani official. This development, reported on Friday, may signal a potential breakthrough in the ongoing conflict involving Iran.
Proposal Sent to the US
The Pakistani official, engaged in mediation efforts regarding the war, indicated that Pakistan received the proposal late Thursday and subsequently forwarded it to the US. However, neither the official nor the Iranian state news agency IRNA provided specific details about the contents of the proposal.
Global oil prices, which have surged since Iran initiated a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, experienced a slight decline following the announcement of the proposal. The blockade has significantly impacted global oil supplies, cutting off approximately 20% of the world’s oil and gas. The US Navy has also been actively blocking Iranian crude oil exports, contributing to rising energy prices and economic concerns.
Ceasefire and Military Tensions
A ceasefire has been in effect since April 8, but reports emerged that US President Donald Trump was briefed on potential military strikes aimed at compelling Iran to negotiate. This information led to a spike in global oil prices, reaching a four-year high on Thursday.
Iran has reportedly activated its air defenses and is prepared for a broad response if attacked, anticipating a brief but intense US strike, potentially followed by an Israeli attack, according to two senior Iranian sources.
US Response and Regional Concerns
Washington has not disclosed its next steps. Trump expressed dissatisfaction with a previous Iranian proposal and Pakistan has yet to schedule new talks aimed at resolving the conflict, which has resulted in significant casualties, particularly in Iran and Lebanon.
Following US and Israeli airstrikes on February 28, Iran retaliated by targeting US bases and infrastructure in Gulf states. The Iran-backed group Hezbollah also launched missiles at Israel, prompting further Israeli strikes on Lebanon.
UAE presidential adviser Anwar Gargash emphasized that the “collective international will and provisions of international law” are essential for ensuring freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. He further stated that unilateral Iranian agreements cannot be trusted following its aggressive actions against neighboring countries.
Deadline and Market Reactions
Trump faces a formal deadline to either conclude the war or seek Congressional approval for its extension under the 1973 War Powers Resolution. A senior administration official indicated that hostilities had effectively ceased due to the April ceasefire, suggesting that the deadline may pass without any changes to the current situation.
Financial and energy markets remain volatile, with ongoing concerns about the stalemate in negotiations and the possibility of a prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Following the IRNA report, global oil benchmark Brent crude futures for July fell by 0.4% to $109.96 per barrel, though they are still on track for a 4.5% weekly gain after peaking at $126 per barrel on Thursday.
Cautious Outlook from Iran
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei warned against expecting immediate results from the negotiations. A senior official from Iran’s Revolutionary Guards stated that any new US attack, even if limited, would lead to “long and painful strikes” on US positions in the region. Aerospace Force Commander Majid Mousavi remarked that the fate of US regional bases would be mirrored in the treatment of US warships.
Trump reiterated that Iran would not be permitted to acquire a nuclear weapon, adding that gasoline prices would “drop like a rock” once the conflict concludes. Iran maintains that its nuclear program is intended solely for civilian purposes.
The ongoing conflict has exacerbated Iran’s economic challenges, raising concerns about the potential for a catastrophic aftermath. Despite the US blockade affecting its energy exports, Iran appears capable of enduring the current standoff in the Gulf.
Future Military Strategies
Reports indicate that a plan to be discussed with Trump during a military briefing involved deploying ground forces to secure part of the Strait of Hormuz to restore commercial shipping routes. Trump is also contemplating extending the US blockade or declaring a unilateral victory.
Washington has not provided detailed information regarding its strategic plans. In a sign of potential diplomatic engagement, a State Department cable is expected to invite partner nations to join a new coalition, termed the Maritime Freedom Construct, aimed at facilitating navigation through the Strait.
France, Britain, and other nations have engaged in discussions about contributing to this coalition but have stated that their support for reopening the Strait will only materialize once the conflict has been resolved.
As reported by www.arnnewscentre.ae.
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Published on 2026-05-01 18:13:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk