Iran Reviews US Gulf War Proposal, Rejects Broader Middle East Talks | Reuters

Dubai – Iran is reviewing a US proposal aimed at ending the ongoing conflict in the Gulf, but maintains it has no intention of entering into direct negotiations with Washington, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stated Wednesday.

Araqchi’s comments, delivered on state television, suggest a limited openness to a negotiated resolution, contingent on meeting Iranian demands. He emphasized that the exchange of messages through intermediaries, specifically Pakistan, should not be interpreted as a direct negotiation with the United States.

“They put forward ideas in their messages that were conveyed to top authorities, and if necessary, a position will be announced by them,” Araqchi said, according to state media reports.

The US proposal, delivered via Pakistani officials, reportedly comprises 15 points. According to three Israeli cabinet sources familiar with the plan, it calls for Iran to remove its stocks of highly enriched uranium, halt uranium enrichment activities, curtail its ballistic missile program, and reduce funding for regional allies.

The White House has declined to publicly detail the specifics of the proposal. Still, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt issued a stern warning, threatening an escalation of military strikes against Iran. “If they fail to understand that they have been defeated militarily, and will continue to be, President Trump will ensure they are hit harder than they have ever been hit before,” Leavitt told reporters.

Israel has expressed skepticism regarding Iran’s willingness to accept the terms of the US proposal. A senior Israeli defense official indicated concerns that US negotiators might make concessions during any potential talks. The official also stated Israel wants to preserve its right to conduct preemptive military strikes, should it deem necessary.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Araqchi has previously ruled out direct peace talks with the US, reiterating this position even as Tehran reviews the latest proposal. This stance aligns with earlier statements made on Wednesday, where Araqchi stated that exchanging messages through mediators “does not mean negotiations with the US,” as reported by Deccan Herald.

The US and Iran remain at odds over the terms for de-escalation, with the White House insisting talks are “productive” despite repeated denials from Iranian officials, according to reporting from ABC News.

Middle Eastern countries have issued a joint statement condemning what they describe as “flagrant Iranian aggression,” further complicating the diplomatic landscape.