Pakistan has conveyed a proposal from the United States to Iran as part of ongoing efforts to end the conflict, though a venue for potential negotiations between the two sides has yet to be determined, according to a Reuters report, citing Iranian source on Wednesday.
The Associated Press, quoting two Pakistani officials on Wednesday, also reported that Iran has received a 15-point proposal from US to arrive at a ceasefire in the ongoing war.
Pakistani officials said the proposal broadly covers sanctions relief, civilian nuclear cooperation, a rollback of Iran’s nuclear programme, oversight by the International Atomic Energy Agency, limits on missile capabilities, and ensuring shipping access through the Strait of Hormuz, a key maritime route at the mouth of the Persian Gulf.
According to Reuter, Turkey, in particular, has been engaged in backchannel efforts to ease tensions.
Harun Armagan, vice chair of foreign affairs for the ruling party of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, said Ankara has been relaying messages between Tehran and Washington to encourage de-escalation and pave the way for direct negotiations.
He did not elaborate on the messages but said they were also being conveyed to Gulf nations, which have been caught up in the widening regional war sparked by the US-Israeli attacks on Iran.
Meanwhile, Iran has maintained that it is not actively in negotiations with US with their military spokesman mocking Trump's outreach efforts.
"You have reached a stage where you are negotiating with yourselves," said spokesperson for the Khatam al-Anbia Central Headquarters.
The spokesperson cautioned US officials against portraying any outcome as a diplomatic success, adding, “Do not call your defeat an agreement.”
On Tuesday, The New York Times reported that Washington sent Iran a 15-point plan to end the war in West Asia.
Israel's Channel 12, quoting three sources, said the US was seeking a month-long ceasefire to discuss the 15-point plan.
According to Reuters, citing a source familiar with the matter, confirmed that the US had sent a plan to Iran but provided no further details.
The Israeli media outlet said the plan would include the dismantling of Iran's nuclear programme, ceasing support for proxy groups, and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump said the US was making progress in its efforts to negotiate an end to war with Iran, including winning an important concession from Tehran.
Trump told reporters at the White House the US was talking to "the right people" in Iran in order to reach a deal to end hostilities, adding the Iranians wanted to reach a deal very badly.
"We're in negotiations right now," he said.
With inputs from agencies
