TEHRAN, Iran, May 10 (ANI) — Iran formally submitted its response to a US proposal aimed at de-escalating regional hostilities through Pakistani mediators, Iranian state media reported Sunday.
The move follows repeated statements from Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson indicating that Tehran’s “views and considerations” regarding the Washington-backed initiative would be delivered after a comprehensive review and final assessment.
According to Islamic Republic News Agency, “The Islamic Republic of Iran sent today, through Pakistani mediators, its response to the latest text proposed by the United States to end the war.”
The state-run news agency added that “according to the proposed plan, at this stage, negotiations will focus on ending the war in the region.”
US officials have been awaiting Tehran’s response to the latest diplomatic framework, which seeks to halt ongoing hostilities, restore commercial access to strategic shipping lanes, and roll back Iran’s nuclear program.
Details of a “14-point plan” drafted by Tehran for continuing truce discussions surfaced last week, according to a report by Al Jazeera.
The broadcaster reported that the Iranian proposal is divided into three stages, including a 30-day phase intended to transform a temporary ceasefire into a permanent end to the conflict. The proposal was reportedly designed as a counteroffer to the US-backed “nine-point peace plan.”
According to the report, Tehran’s draft calls for Washington to lift sanctions on Iran and end the blockade on Iranian ports. It also reportedly demands the withdrawal of US forces from the region and a halt to all hostilities, including Israel’s military operations in Lebanon.
The diplomatic outreach comes amid worsening regional security conditions, as Tehran recently warned Washington that it would end its policy of strategic restraint regarding retaliatory strikes.
The warning coincided with reports of renewed maritime and territorial hostilities in the Gulf region, including an attack on a freighter headed toward Qatar.
Adding to regional tensions, the United Arab Emirates accused Iran of orchestrating an attack on its territory. If confirmed, it would mark only the second alleged strike on Gulf states since the start of the month-old ceasefire.
In a sign of heightened military readiness, Iran’s military chief Ali Abdollahi held talks with Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei. Iranian state television reported that Abdollahi received “new directives and guidance for the continuation of operations to confront the enemy.”
Maritime tensions have also intensified. South Korea reported that “unidentified aircraft” struck a cargo vessel in the Strait of Hormuz last week. Separately, Qatar’s Defense Ministry confirmed that a freighter traveling from Abu Dhabi was targeted by a drone Sunday northeast of Mesaieed Port.
Providing additional details, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center said the bulk carrier was struck by an “unknown projectile,” resulting in a “small fire” that was later extinguished. The agency reported no casualties or environmental damage.
While no group immediately claimed responsibility, Iran’s Fars News Agency alleged that the vessel struck near Qatar’s coast was sailing under a US flag and belonged to the United States.
Escalating the rhetoric further, Ebrahim Rezaei, spokesperson for the Iranian parliament’s national security commission, warned the United States on social media that “our restraint is over as of today.”
“Any attack on our vessels will trigger a strong and decisive Iranian response against American ships and bases,” he added.
The warnings echoed recent threats from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which has vowed retaliation against American interests in the Middle East if Iranian tankers are targeted.
The latest tensions follow reports Friday that a US fighter jet fired upon and disabled two Iran-flagged vessels in the Gulf of Oman.
Following that incident, the IRGC issued a hardline statement saying, “Any attack on Iranian tankers and commercial vessels will result in a heavy attack on one of the American centers in the region and enemy ships.” (ANI)
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