03 May,2026 04:33 PM IST | Lahore | mid-day online correspondent
Pic/AFP
Iran has presented a fresh "multi-layered proposal" to the United States in an effort to revive stalled peace talks and ease tensions in the Middle East, according to a senior official familiar with the development, reported PTI.
The new proposal outlines a phased framework designed to reduce immediate hostilities while separating them from longer-term disputes, particularly over Iran's nuclear programme. Iranian authorities have indicated a willingness to pursue urgent de-escalation measures, including easing tensions around the strategically crucial Strait of Hormuz, reported PTI.
In return, Tehran has sought reciprocal steps from Washington, such as scaling back military presence and easing economic restrictions, particularly those impacting Iranian oil exports.
A key aspect of the proposal involves decoupling economic normalisation from nuclear negotiations. Iran has argued that restoring maritime trade and oil flows should precede any binding commitments on its nuclear activities, viewing such steps as essential confidence-building measures.
Officials said Iran believes progress on economic issues could create the conditions necessary for more substantive negotiations on complex matters like uranium enrichment and monitoring mechanisms, reported PTI.
While reiterating its right to peaceful nuclear energy, Iran has signalled conditional openness to discussing limits on uranium enrichment and enhanced oversight. However, these concessions would depend on broader guarantees, including tangible sanctions relief and long-term assurances that agreements would not be withdrawn unilaterally, reported PTI.
Tehran has also sought formal recognition of its nuclear rights under international frameworks and security guarantees to prevent future military escalation.
US President Donald Trump responded cautiously to the proposal, stating that he was not satisfied with the terms offered by Iran. He indicated that Washington would not accept any agreement that fails to include firm guarantees preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons, reported PTI.
Trump acknowledged some progress in negotiations but pointed to internal divisions within Iran's leadership, raising doubts about the prospects of a final agreement.
Pakistan has played a facilitative role in the process, hosting earlier talks between the two sides in Islamabad. While no new round of negotiations has been formally scheduled, officials suggested that further engagement could take place if preliminary understandings are reached, reported PTI.
The conflict, which began in late February involving the US and Israel, has been on hold since early April under a ceasefire arrangement. The situation remains fragile, with both sides weighing diplomatic options against the risk of renewed military action.
Iranian officials have emphasised that their proposal prioritises halting hostilities and creating space for broader political dialogue. Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said the next step depends on Washington's response, adding that Iran is prepared for both diplomatic engagement and continued confrontation if necessary, reported PTI.
With significant differences still unresolved, the latest proposal represents a critical attempt to restart negotiations, though its success will depend on whether both sides can bridge key disagreements.
(With inputs from PTI)
