Iran Ceasefire: US Plan Received, Tehran Calls it ‘Maximalist’ – Updates

Israel struck Tehran early Wednesday, triggering a wave of retaliatory attacks by Iran against Israel and U.S. Bases, as a U.S.-proposed ceasefire plan for the conflict in Gaza reached Iranian officials, according to Pakistani officials. Iran has publicly dismissed the U.S. Proposal as “maximalist.”

The U.S. Plan, reportedly consisting of 15 points, was conveyed to Iran through intermediaries, with Pakistan playing a key role in the diplomatic effort. While details of the proposal remain largely undisclosed, Iranian officials have indicated it does not meet their demands for a complete cessation of hostilities and a full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, according to reports from Al Jazeera.

Pakistan has offered to host direct or indirect negotiations between the United States and Iran, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced Tuesday. “Pakistan is ready and honoured to be the host” for talks, Sharif said, as Islamabad seeks to de-escalate tensions in the region. The offer comes as Pakistan has been relaying messages between Washington and Tehran, potentially paving the way for discussions.

Field Marshal Asim Munir, Pakistan’s army chief, spoke with former U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday, while Sharif held a phone call with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Sunday, as part of this push for de-escalation. Trump announced a five-day pause in planned strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure on Monday, citing “productive conversations” regarding potential diplomacy. Though, Iranian officials maintain that no direct negotiations with Washington are currently underway.

Pakistan is acting as one of several countries – alongside Turkey and Egypt – facilitating communication between the U.S. And Iran and encouraging diplomatic engagement. Turkish officials have too indicated their willingness to host talks.

Islamabad’s involvement stems from its unique position of maintaining working relationships with both Iran and the United States. Since 1980, when diplomatic relations between the U.S. And Iran were severed, Iran’s interests section in Washington has operated under the protection of the Pakistani embassy. This arrangement provides Pakistan with a channel for communication and a degree of access to both governments.

The timing of these diplomatic efforts coincides with heightened regional instability following Israel’s strike on Tehran and Iran’s subsequent retaliatory attacks. The conflict has rattled global energy markets, prompting international concern and a renewed focus on finding a peaceful resolution.

While Trump characterized the conversations as “productive,” the Iranian rejection of the U.S. Ceasefire plan suggests significant obstacles remain. Iranian officials have not elaborated on specific objections beyond labeling the proposal “maximalist,” leaving the path forward uncertain.