U.S. Presents Peace Proposal to Iran… Tehran to Respond Through Pakistan

(Seoul=News) Tehran's official response to the peace proposal for ending the war presented by the United States to Iran is reportedly imminent, according to sources on the 7th (local time).

According to The New York Times (NYT), an Iranian official stated, "Tehran will deliver its response to the U.S. side through Pakistan, a key mediating country." Pakistan has been serving as a crucial bridge between the two sides amid the suspension of direct diplomatic channels between Iran and the United States.

However, another senior Iranian official downplayed the previously reported U.S. proposal, calling it "nothing more than a list of American wishes," suggesting that the prospects for negotiations will not be smooth. The peace proposal reportedly includes a freeze on Iran's nuclear program, acceptance of inspections of uranium enrichment facilities, and a halt to support for armed groups in the region.

As the prolonged armed conflict between Iran and the United States continues to take a cumulative toll on international oil prices and global supply chains, the international community is closely watching the outcome of this response. Washington hopes that a ceasefire with Iran will lead to broader regional stabilization, including with Lebanon's Hezbollah and Yemen's Houthi rebels.

However, with backlash from hardliners within Iran and Israel's hardline military operations acting as variables, considerable difficulties are expected before reaching a negotiated agreement. One diplomatic source analyzed, "The very fact that the response is being delivered through Pakistan is an expression of willingness to negotiate," while adding, "Depending on the content, the war could enter a new phase."