Pakistan has conveyed Iran’s response to a US proposal on Tehran’s nuclear programme, according to a Pakistani diplomatic source quoted by Al Jazeera Arabic, as tensions continue in the Strait of Hormuz despite an ongoing ceasefire.
The US proposal, sent earlier this week, reportedly called on Iran to halt uranium enrichment for at least 12 years, abandon efforts to develop a nuclear weapon, and surrender its estimated 440kg stockpile of uranium enriched to 60 percent. In return, Washington offered a gradual lifting of sanctions, the release of frozen Iranian assets, and an end to its naval blockade of Iranian ports.
The diplomatic developments come ahead of US President Donald Trump’s expected visit to China, a major importer of Iranian oil.
Despite continued clashes between US and Iranian forces in the Strait of Hormuz, neither side has declared the collapse of the ceasefire that has been in effect since April 8.
Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz to foreign shipping and seized several foreign-flagged vessels in response to the US naval blockade imposed on April 13. Iranian parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said a lasting ceasefire would only be possible if the blockade is lifted.
Pakistan is reportedly urging Iran to seek a “middle ground” in negotiations, while regional powers including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and China remain engaged in mediation efforts.
The prolonged Hormuz blockade has raised concerns over its impact on the global economy, with fuel prices increasing sharply in several countries including Pakistan. (NewsWire)