Pakistan delivers new Iran peace proposal as US talks stall

Monday 18 May 2026 - 10:37

By: Dakir Madiha

Pakistan delivers new Iran peace proposal as US talks stall

Pakistan has delivered a revised Iranian peace proposal to the United States in an effort to restart stalled negotiations over the Middle East conflict. The move comes as diplomatic channels between Tehran and Washington remain gridlocked, with both sides accused of repeatedly shifting their conditions for a potential agreement. A Pakistani source said the urgency of the situation is increasing as time runs short for meaningful progress.

The proposal was transmitted after Pakistan’s interior minister met a senior Iranian negotiator in Tehran over the weekend. The updated draft reportedly merges elements of Iran’s earlier 14 point framework with key US demands previously communicated through Pakistani mediation channels. The initiative represents a continuation of Islamabad’s role as the main intermediary between the two sides since the collapse of earlier negotiation rounds.

Diplomatic efforts have stretched over several weeks without producing a breakthrough. Previous exchanges included a rejected Iranian counterproposal and a list of preconditions set by Washington for returning to formal talks, including demands related to highly enriched uranium stockpiles. Iranian officials have maintained that the priority remains ending hostilities, securing a ceasefire, and easing sanctions, while US officials have kept pressure through political and military measures.

Tensions have escalated in parallel with the diplomatic deadlock. US leadership has issued renewed warnings to Iran, while Iranian military officials have threatened strong retaliation if pressure continues. A naval blockade imposed on Iranian ports has remained in place since mid April, further complicating negotiations. Iran has linked any return to substantive talks to the lifting of restrictive measures, which remains one of the core obstacles in the process.

Pakistan continues to position itself as a neutral mediator, maintaining communication with both sides while attempting to prevent further escalation. Earlier rounds of talks hosted in Islamabad helped keep diplomatic channels open, even as no final agreement was reached. With both Washington and Tehran maintaining firm positions, the outcome of the latest proposal remains uncertain.