Iran reviews fresh US proposal

Tehran: Iran announced that a fresh proposal from the US has partly bridged the gap between the warring sides as both nations attempt to transition a fragile ceasefire into a lasting peace deal.

The semi-official Iranian Students’ News Agency reported on Thursday that Tehran is preparing its response to the text submitted by Washington. It noted while the US proposal has narrowed differences to some extent, achieving a final agreement will require Washington to abandon its temptation for war. Despite the diplomatic movement, significant roadblocks persist. 

Reports indicate Tehran is reviewing the American response, but several core disputes continue to resist a peaceful solution. The primary blocking issues include the future of Iran's nuclear programme, maritime control of the strategic Strait of Hormuz, crippling economic sanctions and the freezing of Iranian international assets.

Throughout the conflict, Iran’s overarching military strategy has focused on maintaining a strict stranglehold on the strait.  —Agencies

Pak, Iranian leaders meet

Tehran: Pakistan Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi (R) met Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Thursday to discuss issues related to the US-Iran peace talks. Araghchi and Naqvi discussed the indirect Iran-US negotiations. Naqvi also met President Masoud Pezeshkian, Iran’s interior minister and others. Pezeshkian and Naqvi discussed latest regional developments, bilateral relations and the status of diplomatic consultations linked to the indirect talks between Iran and the US, IRNA reported. The two sides emphasised the necessity of political consultations and strengthening regional cooperation. Meanwhile, reports said Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir was “set to visit Tehran on Thursday as Islamabad ramps up Iran-US mediation efforts.” —Agencies