Iran submits its response to latest US proposal aimed at ending war: State media

Iran has formally submitted its response to the latest 14-point US proposal seeking a permanent end to the ongoing war, reported Iranian state media on Sunday.

The proposal has been sent via Pakistan, a mediator between Washington and Tehran as they negotiate a deal on ending the war.

Advertisement

In its response, Iran has reportedly insisted that the talks should focus on efforts to end the war and the issue of Tehran’s nuclear program should be discussed at later stages of the talks.

The Iranian response, according to the state media, focused on ending the “aggression on all fronts, including Israeli attacks on Lebanon.” Tehran has also demanded security guarantees for shipping in the Persian Gulf.

Citing Iranian authorities, the report further stated that Tehran wants the first phase of the deal to concentrate on shipping and sanctions. The Islamic Republic has also signaled that it is ready to discuss the nuclear program in later stages of the talks.

The Iranian response comes days after the US sent a fresh proposal to Iran that reportedly consisted of 14 points and was crafted by Trump’s Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff and the president’s aide and son-in-law Jared Kushner, in collaboration with several Iranian officials.

According to the proposal, both countries would declare an end to the war, which will trigger a 30-day negotiation period, in pursuit of an agreement to open the Strait of Hormuz, limit Iran’s nuclear program, and lift US sanctions on the regime.

As per the terms of the agreement, the US will allow Iran to enrich low-grade uranium for civilian use at a level of 3.67 per cent. The Islamic Republic will also have to commit to never seek a nuclear weapon and submit to enhanced inspections by the UN.

In return, the US sought a moratorium on all uranium enrichment by Iran for at least 12 years. Earlier, the US was reportedly demanding Iran suspend its nuclear activities for at least 20 years. Tehran had agreed to a five-year pause on nuclear enrichment.