Pakistan hands US revised Iranian proposal for ending war
By Ariba Shahid and Parisa Hafezi
KARACHI/DUBAI, May 18 (Reuters) – Peace mediator Pakistan has shared Iran’s revised proposal to end the war in the Middle East with the United States, warning that “the parties do not have much time to narrow their differences,” a Pakistani source told Reuters on Monday.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei later confirmed that Tehran’s views “were conveyed to the American side through Pakistan” but did not provide details.
A fragile ceasefire was reached after six weeks of war following US-Israeli airstrikes on Iran, but Pakistan-brokered talks have stalled and US President Donald Trump said the ceasefire was “on life support”.
The Pakistani source did not provide any details about the revised proposal. Asked whether it would take time to close the differences, the source said the sides “keep moving the goalposts” and added: “We don’t have much time.”
IRAN-US PEACE EFFORTS STOPPED
Washington has called on Tehran to dismantle its nuclear program and lift an effective blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which normally carries a fifth of the world’s supply of oil and liquefied natural gas.
Iran has demanded compensation for war damage, an end to the US blockade of Iranian ports, and a halt to hostilities on all fronts, including Lebanon, where Israel is fighting Iran-backed Hezbollah militias.
“The Clock is Ticking” for Iran, Trump said in a post on Truth Social over the weekend, adding: “They better act FAST or there will be nothing left of them. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE!”
Trump is expected to meet with his top national security advisers on Tuesday to discuss options for continuing military action, Axios reported.
Among the issues delaying the negotiations are Iran’s nuclear ambitions. The United States and other major powers want to ensure that Iran does not develop nuclear weapons.
Tehran denies trying to do so and also wants compensation for war damage, guarantees that there will be no further attacks and a resumption of Iranian oil sales.
Baghaei said Tehran is ready for all scenarios.
“When it comes to their threats, you can be assured that we are fully aware of how to respond appropriately to even the slightest mistake on the other side,” he said at his weekly televised press conference. he said.
MID-METER ELECTIONS ARE COMING
Fighting has eased since the ceasefire took effect in April, but drones have been launched from Iran towards Gulf states that host US military bases.
A drone strike caused a fire at a nuclear power plant in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia captured three drones, officials said Sunday.
Iran stepped up its attacks on the UAE this month after Trump announced a naval mission to open the Strait of Hormuz, which he suspended 48 hours later.
Global stock markets tumbled on Monday as recent drone attacks sent oil prices and bond yields higher, raising inflation concerns. [MKTS/GLOB]
Trump, who faces politically risky midterm elections for his Republican Party in November, held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping last week, but there has been no indication from China that this would help resolve the dispute.
The disruption of shipping in the Strait of Hormuz caused the largest oil supply crisis in history and increased crude oil prices by 50% or more. [O/R]
Some White House officials worry that Trump’s foreign policy gambit and its impact on U.S. gasoline prices could destroy Republicans’ chances of retaining control of Congress at a time when war-wary voters are more interested in the cost of living than conflicts abroad.
(Reporting by Reuters bureaus, Writing by Timothy Heritage; Editing by Kevin Liffey)
