A high-level Iranian source told Al Jazeera that Tehran received a 15-point plan from the United States aimed at ending the US-Israeli war on Iran. Iran’s reaction was blunt: the proposal is "extremely maximalist and unreasonable" and, in the source’s words, "not beautiful even on paper." The source called parts of the plan deceptive and misleading.
What was in the U.S. proposal
Pakistani officials who saw the plan described it broadly as covering:
- sanctions relief
- a rollback of Iran’s nuclear program
- limits on Iran’s missile capabilities
- measures to reopen the Strait of Hormuz
- restrictions on Iran’s support for armed groups
U.S. officials have presented the package as a path to a ceasefire. The White House has signaled diplomatic activity, and President Donald Trump has said talks are underway, though Iran denies direct negotiations.
Iran’s response and its own demands
State media quoted an anonymous official saying Iran rejected the U.S. proposal. The official said Iran will stop fighting only when its own conditions are satisfied. Iran reportedly offered a five-point counterplan that calls for:
- a halt to killings of Iranian officials
- guarantees that no further wars will be waged against Iran
- reparations for damages from the conflict
- a formal end to hostilities
The source also emphasized that there have been no direct Iran-U.S. talks since the war began. Exchanges so far have been routed through intermediaries.
Mediators pushing for face-to-face meetings
Pakistan, Egypt and Türkiye are involved in shuttle diplomacy and are pushing for in-person talks. Pakistani and Egyptian officials said mediators want Iranians and Americans to meet in Pakistan as early as Friday.
Analysts and reporters note Pakistan’s special position: it has a Shia minority and trade ties with Iran, a defence arrangement with Saudi Arabia, and historical links to the United States. That mix makes Islamabad an appealing go-between for both sides.
Egypt’s foreign minister said Cairo is ready to host talks that serve de-escalation and expressed support for diplomatic attempts to negotiate with Iran. Türkiye has also acknowledged it has been passing messages between Tehran and Washington.
Military backdrop
The diplomatic maneuvering is happening while military action continues. Iran remains highly suspicious of the United States after earlier strikes during diplomatic contacts, including the February 28 strikes that helped trigger the current conflict. In recent days:
- Israel launched air strikes on Tehran
- The United States sent paratroopers and additional Marines to the region
- Iran carried out attacks on Israel and some Gulf Arab states, including an assault that caused a major fire at Kuwait International Airport
Where things stand
Both sides report different versions of progress. Washington says it has put a ceasefire package on the table and that talks are happening through intermediaries. Tehran says the U.S. proposal is unacceptable and will not stop fighting until its conditions are met. Mediators are trying to set up direct talks, but with strikes continuing, the window for a peaceful de-escalation looks narrow.
Reading this, remember: diplomats are talking, but the boots and bombs have not stopped. The next few days will be critical to see whether negotiators can turn messages into a real face-to-face conversation.
