Tehran proposed phased nuclear negotiations and a gradual reopening of the Strait of Hormuz in response to a US plan to end the war. [Getty]
Iran has agreed to discuss its nuclear programme within 30 days as part of a 14-point response delivered to Washington through Pakistani mediators, sources close to the US-Iran negotiations told The New Arab late on Sunday.
The sources said Tehran had shown “significant flexibility” by agreeing to discuss the nuclear file within a month, an issue it had previously refused to address at this stage of negotiations, insisting instead that it be postponed to later phases.
According to the sources, the Iranian response initially focuses on ending the war, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and lifting the blockade imposed on Iran.
The proposal includes a “mutual commitment to stop the war on all fronts between Iran and its allies and the United States and its Israeli ally”.
Iranian news agency Tasnim News Agency earlier revealed parts of Tehran’s response to Washington’s proposal to end the conflict.
Citing an informed source, Tasnim said Iran demanded an immediate end to the war across all fronts, including Lebanon, alongside guarantees against renewed attacks on Iran as part of a broader “political understanding”.
The response also reportedly calls for lifting US sanctions and ending the naval blockade imposed on Iran, while allowing Tehran to manage the Strait of Hormuz if Washington fulfils certain undisclosed commitments.
According to Tasnim, Tehran also demanded the lifting of restrictions on Iranian oil sales and the release of frozen Iranian assets within 30 days of signing an initial agreement.
Meanwhile, The Wall Street Journal reported that the Iranian response delivered by Islamabad to Washington proposed a gradual reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to shipping traffic in exchange for the US lifting restrictions on Iranian ships and ports.
The newspaper said the multi-page response laid out detailed Iranian demands but failed to bridge all gaps between the two sides.
According to the report, Tehran did not meet Washington’s demand for upfront commitments regarding its nuclear programme and stockpile of highly enriched uranium.
Instead, Iran proposed ending hostilities and gradually reopening the strait in parallel with lifting restrictions on its shipping and ports.
The Wall Street Journal also reported that Tehran had offered to discuss the nuclear file within 30 days and proposed reducing enrichment levels for part of its uranium stockpile while transferring another portion abroad.
Iran reportedly requested guarantees that any uranium sent overseas would be returned if negotiations collapse or if the United States later withdraws from an agreement.
Regarding uranium enrichment, the newspaper said Tehran signalled willingness to suspend enrichment activities, but for a shorter period than the 20 years reportedly demanded by Washington, while continuing to reject dismantling its nuclear facilities.
US President Donald Trump described the Iranian response as “totally unacceptable” in a post on Truth Social.
