On Wednesday, Iran confirmed that it is still considering a peace proposal from the United States, as President Donald Trump issued a stern warning of intensified bombings should Tehran reject the agreement. White House officials have described this moment as the closest the parties have been to reaching a deal since the conflict began.
Ismail Bagaei, the spokesperson for Iran's Foreign Ministry, told the ISNA news agency, as reported by EFE, that Iran is scrutinizing the U.S. proposal and will communicate its position to Pakistan once the review is complete. "Iran is evaluating the U.S. offer and will convey its views to the Pakistani side after completing its assessment," he stated.
Meanwhile, Trump took to his platform, Truth Social, to issue a dual-edged warning: "If Iran complies with the agreement, which is, perhaps, a significant assumption, the legendary Operation Epic Fury will cease, and the highly effective blockade will ensure that the Strait of Hormuz remains open for all, including Iran."
However, the President made no secret of the repercussions of a possible refusal: "Should they decline, the bombings will commence, unfortunately, at a scale and intensity far greater than before."
According to the Axios news site, citing U.S. officials and anonymous sources, Washington is anticipating Iran's responses on crucial issues within the next 48 hours, marking the closest the parties have been to sealing a pact since the conflict's inception.
Key Points of Negotiation: Uranium Enrichment and Economic Sanctions
Central to the talks is a one-page memorandum of understanding containing 14 points. This document proposes a halt to Iran's uranium enrichment activities, the lifting of U.S. sanctions, the release of billions of dollars in frozen Iranian assets, and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz for transit.
A significant sticking point remains the duration of the nuclear freeze: the U.S. is demanding a 20-year hold, while Iran has suggested five years. Sources indicate a potential compromise at a duration of 12 to 15 years.
Incidents in the Strait of Hormuz
Wednesday also witnessed an incident in the Strait, where U.S. Central Command forces fired upon an Iranian-flagged vessel attempting to breach the naval blockade. The action involved a 20 mm Gatling gun from an F/A-18 Super Hornet launched from the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier.
Since the naval blockade was enforced on April 13, approximately 50 Iranian ships have been intercepted, resulting in daily financial losses for Iran estimated between $435 and $500 million.
Suspension of Military Escort Operations
On Tuesday, Trump announced the suspension of Operation Freedom—a military initiative launched on Monday to escort commercial vessels through Hormuz—at Pakistan's request, citing "considerable progress toward an agreement." Nonetheless, the naval blockade on Iranian ports remains active.
The Origins of the Conflict
The conflict traces back to February 28, 2026, when the U.S. and Israel initiated Operation Epic Fury, destroying nuclear facilities in Natanz, Isfahan, and Fordow, and decimating 90% of Iran's missile capabilities. In retaliation, Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz, causing Brent crude oil prices to soar from $67 to over $126 per barrel and hiking U.S. gasoline prices by 50%.
On May 1, Iran proposed its own 14-point plan through Pakistan, suggesting a 15-year pause in uranium enrichment. Trump, however, dismissed the proposal two days later, demanding the complete dismantlement of Iran's nuclear program.
A Pakistani source quoted by Reuters summed up the current state of negotiations with an expression of cautious optimism: "We will close this very soon. We are close."
According to Trump's warning this Wednesday, Washington expects a definitive response from Tehran within the next 48 hours, a deadline that will determine whether the conflict moves toward a resolution or escalates into a new phase of bombings.
FAQs on Iran-U.S. Peace Proposal and Negotiations
What is the main focus of the Iran-U.S. negotiations?
The negotiations primarily focus on a memorandum of understanding that includes a moratorium on Iran's uranium enrichment, the lifting of U.S. sanctions, and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
How long does the U.S. want the nuclear freeze to last?
The U.S. is advocating for a 20-year nuclear freeze, while Iran has proposed a five-year duration. A compromise between 12 and 15 years is being considered.
What incident occurred in the Strait of Hormuz recently?
U.S. Central Command forces fired on an Iranian-flagged vessel attempting to breach the naval blockade using a 20 mm Gatling gun from an F/A-18 Super Hornet launched from the USS Abraham Lincoln.