Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei confirmed ongoing communication between Iran and the United States facilitated by a Pakistani mediator. Baghaei mentioned that Iran is currently assessing the latest perspectives presented by the US. Messages have been exchanged between the two nations on multiple occasions, focusing on various issues including the situation in Lebanon and specific demands such as the release of Iranian frozen assets.
Iran is actively engaged in diplomatic efforts to resolve conflicts, including seeking an end to what it perceives as US “maritime piracy” and hostile actions against Iranian shipping. Despite approaching negotiations with goodwill and seriousness, Iran maintains a deep distrust towards Washington due to its negative track record over the past 18 months. In collaboration with Oman, Iran is working towards establishing a mechanism to ensure lasting security in the Strait of Hormuz and is prepared to develop protocols for safe maritime traffic in coordination with other coastal states.
A source close to Iran’s negotiation team revealed that Washington has presented a new draft proposal following Iran’s submission of a 14-point plan. The mediator is currently in Tehran attempting to bridge the gap between the two sides’ proposals, although no final agreement has been reached yet. Additionally, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian emphasized Iran’s commitment to peace and reiterated that all options for resolution remain open, dismissing any notion of coercive surrender as an illusion.
Iran, the United States, and Israel agreed to a ceasefire on April 8 after a 40-day conflict initiated by joint US-Israeli attacks on Iranian cities. Subsequent negotiations in Islamabad on April 11 and 12 did not result in a consensus. In response to the conflict, Iran imposed restrictions on the passage of vessels linked to Israel and the US in the Strait of Hormuz. Following the breakdown of talks in Islamabad, the US enforced a naval blockade on the strait, impacting maritime traffic to and from Iranian ports.
