Washington is advancing a demanding plan to resolve the conflict, while negotiation signals remain unclear between the two camps.
The United States has presented Iran with a 15-point roadmap in an attempt to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East, as reported by the New York Times. A plan filled with very strict conditions.
This plan was not directly communicated between Washington and Tehran. It was sent via Pakistan, which has recently emerged as an intermediary between the two countries. Its chief of staff, Marshal Asim Munir, plays a central role in these exchanges.
It remains to be seen what exactly this American proposal contains.
This initiative comes as diplomatic pressure intensifies. Emmanuel Macron says he called on the Iranian president to “engage in negotiations in good faith” in order to “open a path to de-escalation,” while emphasizing “the absolute need” to restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
Open Hormuz to “non-hostile ships”
The American demands include Iran permanently giving up nuclear weapons, returning its stock of enriched fuel, and dismantling some of its facilities.
Washington also asks Tehran to significantly reduce its ballistic capabilities, as well as to stop supporting armed groups allied in the region, such as Hezbollah and Hamas.
Another sensitive point is the Strait of Hormuz. This strategic passage, through which a significant portion of the world’s oil passes, must remain open to navigation as part of an agreement. Since the start of the conflict, Iran has heavily restricted access, contributing to tensions in energy markets.
However, Tehran has recently affirmed that “non-hostile ships” can continue to use this strategic passage, as long as they abide by the safety rules and refrain from actions against Iran, underscoring that this opening remains highly regulated.
In a statement, Iranian authorities specify that these ships can pass safely as long as they do not engage in “acts of aggression” against the country. They explicitly exclude any sentiment related to the “aggressors,” specifically targeting the United States and Israel, whom they accuse of being responsible for tensions and risks in this strategic maritime route.
An Iranian “very large gift”
At the same time, Donald Trump stated that Iran had made a “very large gift” to the United States related to oil and traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, suggesting a gesture he interprets as an opening.
In return, the United States would offer the lifting of international sanctions and support for Iran’s civilian nuclear program.
This plan comes as fighting continues. Strikes by the United States and Israel against Iranian targets persist, and there is no indication at this stage of an imminent slowdown in the conflict.
Another uncertainty is Iran’s ability to respond swiftly. The country’s power structures have been weakened by the strikes, and decision-making conditions remain unclear.
Finally, it is uncertain if all actors are aligned. Israel’s position on this plan is unknown, even as the country is militarily engaged in the conflict alongside Washington.
One central question remains: is this a genuine basis for negotiation, or a disguised power play? Behind the stated goal of peace, the conditions set by Washington appear particularly challenging for Tehran to accept, especially since, for now, Washington is the only one discussing talks, not confirmed by Tehran.
