New Delhi: Fresh diplomatic efforts to end the ongoing conflict between the US, Iran, and Israel have run into turbulence after Washington dismissed Tehran’s latest response to a proposed peace framework, even as the fragile ceasefire in the region showed signs of strain.
Iran reportedly conveyed its revised position to the US through Pakistani intermediaries, outlining conditions linked to sanctions relief, maritime access, and security guarantees. According to Iranian media reports, Tehran sought the removal of American sanctions, an end to naval restrictions around the Strait of Hormuz following an initial agreement, and assurances that no future military action would be launched against the country.
The development comes days after Washington floated a broad roadmap aimed at restarting negotiations over Iran’s nuclear programme and reopening critical shipping routes in the Gulf, according to theguardian.com.
Reports suggested the US framework included long-term restrictions on Iran’s uranium enrichment activities, the transfer of enriched uranium stockpiles outside the country, and the dismantling of certain nuclear infrastructure.
However, Iran is believed to have pushed back against some of the tougher demands. International media reports indicated that Tehran proposed a shorter pause on enrichment activities, partial export of enriched uranium reserves, and dilution of the remaining stockpile, while refusing to shut down its nuclear facilities entirely.
US President Donald Trump later indicated that Washington found the Iranian response unacceptable, signalling widening gaps between both sides despite renewed diplomatic outreach.
The tensions resurfaced amid concerns that the month-long ceasefire in the region may be weakening. Reports of drone activity and military alerts across parts of the Middle East added to fears that hostilities could intensify again if negotiations collapse.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also signalled that Israel considers the threat unresolved as long as Iran retains highly enriched uranium and operational enrichment sites. In a televised interview excerpt released ahead of broadcast, Netanyahu suggested that any lasting resolution would require the removal of fissile material from Iranian territory and the dismantling of nuclear infrastructure.
The renewed diplomatic deadlock has once again placed the spotlight on the future of Iran’s nuclear programme, regional security in the Gulf and the possibility of another escalation involving major powers in the Middle East.
