Pakistani officials on Wednesday revealed that Washington had conveyed a detailed ceasefire framework to Tehran through intermediaries, outlining steps aimed at de-escalating the ongoing conflict. However, Iran has seemingly dismissed the proposal, they confirmed, as reported by the Associated Press.
As the report emerged, oil prices pared losses, with the benchmark Brent crude futures reclaiming the $100-mark. At 15:15 hours GMT, Brent futures were down 4.14%, but trading at $100.7 per barrel.
The proposed US plan for truce reportedly includes sanctions relief, civilian nuclear co-operation, limits on Iran's missile programme, a rollback of its nuclear activities, and enhanced monitoring by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
It also calls for reopening shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil transit corridor that has seen restricted movement since late February, driving up energy prices.
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Despite the diplomatic push, Iran intensified its military operations overnight, launching fresh strikes on Israel and targets across the Persian Gulf. One such attack reportedly triggered a massive fire at Kuwait International Airport.
US President Donald Trump said earlier this week that planned American strikes on Iran's energy infrastructure would be delayed by five days following what he described as “productive conversations” with Tehran.
He added that senior US officials, including Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, along with envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, are engaged in the diplomatic effort.
However, Iranian officials have denied that any talks are underway. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf rejected reports of engagement with Washington, calling them “fake news” aimed at influencing financial and oil markets.
Meanwhile, the Pentagon is preparing to deploy approximately 2,000 troops from the US Army's 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East, signalling continued military readiness even as diplomatic channels remain uncertain.
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