Iran Submits Response to US Peace Proposal Via Pakistan; Trump Rejects It as 'Totally Unacceptable'
Primary region Middle East
Tags Diplomacy · Security · Energy
Regions Middle East · US
Iran on May 10 submitted its formal response to a U.S. 14-point peace proposal through Pakistani mediators, with Tehran's counter-proposal focusing on ending hostilities across the region (especially Lebanon), ensuring maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, lifting all sanctions, and unfreezing Iranian assets. The U.S. proposal had demanded Iran halt uranium enrichment for at least 12 years, hand over 440kg of 60%-enriched uranium, and accept nuclear weapons restrictions in exchange for gradual sanctions relief and an end to the naval blockade. President Trump posted on Truth Social that Iran's response was 'TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE.' An Iranian official described the response as 'realistic and positive,' stating 'the choice now lies with Washington.' The ceasefire in place since April 8 remains technically intact despite continued exchanges of fire.
Strategic interpretation
The gap between the two positions remains vast: the U.S. demands nuclear rollback as a precondition while Iran insists on sanctions relief and ceasefire first. Pakistan's mediation role gives Islamabad unusual leverage with both Washington and Tehran. Trump's quick rejection signals he may be positioning for military escalation — his 'Project Freedom' to escort ships through the Hormuz was paused after 48 hours, suggesting the threat of force remains the primary U.S. bargaining tool. Iran's warning that 'restraint is over' indicates the ceasefire could collapse if diplomacy stalls further.