TEHRAN: Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said authorities are currently reviewing a US counter-proposal aimed at ending the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, according to Iran’s IRNA News Agency.
Speaking at a press briefing, Baghaei said the American message was delivered through Pakistan, but declined to share details, noting that the proposal remains under review.
“The US message was received through Pakistan, and these issues are still under review,” he said, as quoted by Al Jazeera.
He added that Washington’s “excessive and unreasonable demands” have made the proposal difficult to assess. Baghaei further stated that media reports about negotiations on Iran’s nuclear programme were “mostly speculation.”
“At this stage, we are not discussing anything other than stopping the war completely,” he said, adding that Iran’s future position will depend on developments on the ground.
Tensions escalate over Strait of Hormuz
Separately, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards released a new map showing areas of the Strait of Hormuz under their claimed control, according to state media. The map outlines strategic maritime zones near Qeshm Island and UAE coastal regions, though it remains unclear whether operational control has changed.
Iran has repeatedly warned the United States against military presence near the Strait, a critical global oil transit route through which nearly 20% of global energy supplies pass.
The Iranian military reiterated on Monday that US forces should stay away from the waterway, warning of a “harsh response” to any perceived threat.
“We warn that any foreign armed forces, especially the aggressive US army, will be attacked if they intend to approach and enter the Strait of Hormuz,” said Ali Abdollahi, head of Iran’s unified armed forces command.
US naval involvement and “Project Freedom”
In response, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said it has launched a mission referred to as “Project Freedom,” aimed at ensuring safe passage for commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
According to CENTCOM, the initiative is designed to support merchant vessels navigating the region amid heightened tensions.
“Our support for this defensive mission is essential to regional security and the global economy,” said CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper.
Maritime incidents and diplomacy via Pakistan
In a related development, US forces transferred 22 crew members of the seized vessel M/V Touska to Pakistan for repatriation to Iran, according to CENTCOM. The ship had been intercepted in the Gulf of Oman after allegedly attempting to breach blockade restrictions.
The development highlights Pakistan’s continuing role as a diplomatic channel in facilitating communication and humanitarian coordination between Iran and the United States during the crisis.
Despite ongoing military and diplomatic escalation, both sides continue to signal limited engagement through indirect channels, with Pakistan emerging as a key intermediary.
