US President Donald Trump has said he paused a planned military strike on Iran after Tehran sent a new peace proposal to Washington.
He added that there is now a “very good chance” of reaching a nuclear agreement, even as tensions remain high across the Middle East.
Trump said he instructed the US military to cancel a scheduled strike, while also warning forces to remain prepared for a “large-scale assault” if talks fail.
He claimed the decision followed signals from Iran suggesting renewed willingness to negotiate a settlement on the nuclear issue.
However, no previously announced attack had been publicly confirmed, and details remain unclear.
Pakistan’s role in backchannel diplomacy
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei confirmed that Tehran’s position had been conveyed to the United States through Pakistan.
A Pakistani source told Reuters that Islamabad has been acting as a key mediator between the two sides, but warned that progress remains difficult as both parties continue shifting their demands.
Iran peace proposal and key demands
According to reports, Iran’s proposal reportedly focuses on:
- Ending the ongoing conflict
- Reopening the Strait of Hormuz
- Partial release of frozen Iranian assets
Iran is also seeking easing of maritime and economic sanctions as part of any potential deal.
A senior Iranian source said some elements resemble earlier proposals rejected by Washington.
US signals limited flexibility
Iranian sources also claim the United States has shown limited willingness to consider concessions, including possible release of a portion of frozen Iranian funds and supervised nuclear activity under international oversight.
However, US officials have not confirmed any agreement on these terms.
Trump earlier described the ceasefire, reached after weeks of conflict, as being on “life support,” citing ongoing disagreements over Iran’s nuclear programme and regional security concerns.
Despite the fragile truce, tensions persist, with occasional drone activity reported in the region.
Key dispute
Major sticking points in negotiations include:
- Iran’s nuclear enrichment programme
- Control and access to the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy route
Iran has maintained control over the waterway, which handles a significant portion of global oil and LNG shipments, raising concerns about energy stability worldwide.
Iranian military officials have warned the US against further strikes, stating that any renewed aggression would be met with a “decisive and extensive” response.
Tehran insists its armed forces remain fully prepared amid rising regional tensions.
