Iran Submits Response to US Ceasefire Proposal via Pakistani Mediators

Iran has officially submitted its response to the latest United States ceasefire proposal through Pakistani mediators, according to reports from Tehran's state news agency, IRNA. The negotiations are primarily focused on ending the ongoing war in the region. A Pakistani diplomatic source confirmed to Al Jazeera that Iran's response was subsequently conveyed to Washington. This development follows an ultimatum issued by US President Donald Trump, who stated that Iran had one week to respond to a peace deal, expressing optimism about reaching an agreement quickly. Previously, Trump had rejected an Iranian peace proposal as unacceptable. Reports indicate that Iran's counter-proposal is a 14-point plan featuring three main stages, including a 30-day phase to transform a ceasefire into a complete end to hostilities. Key demands in the Iranian draft include the lifting of US sanctions, the end of blockades on Iranian ports, the withdrawal of US forces from the region, and the cessation of all hostilities, including Israel’s war in Lebanon. This submission marks a critical step in the diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions between the two nations.