Iran Responds to US Peace Proposal via Pakistan Amid Hormuz Tensions

Iran has formally submitted its response to a United States proposal aimed at ending the regional war, state-run news agency IRNA reported on Sunday. The response was delivered through Pakistani mediators as diplomatic efforts intensify to resolve the conflict that began in February 2024.

While specific details of the response were not disclosed, Iranian state broadcaster IRIB indicated the focus remains on a comprehensive end to the "imposed war" on all fronts, with particular emphasis on Lebanon. The proposal follows a U.S. initiative to halt active combat before addressing more complex issues, such as Iran’s nuclear program.

Despite the diplomatic movement, tensions remain high in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi warned that Tehran would "decisively" confront the presence of British and French warships in the waterway, calling Western naval deployments an "escalation of the crisis."

In a notable development, Iran permitted two vessels to pass through the blockaded strait on Sunday: Al Kharaitiyat: A Qatari LNG carrier bound for Pakistan, providing much-needed energy relief to the country.

A Panama-flagged bulk carrier: Bound for Brazil, which utilized a route designated by Iranian armed forces.

The regional stability remains precarious. Although a ceasefire was brokered in April, hostile drone activity was reported over the UAE, Qatar, and Kuwait on Sunday. Meanwhile, despite a localized truce, skirmishes between the Israeli army and Hezbollah continue in southern Lebanon.

With U.S. President Donald Trump scheduled to visit China this week, international pressure is mounting to resolve the conflict, which has triggered a global energy crisis and significant economic strain.