Iran says US proposal still under review, response to be shared via Pakistan

Tehran (Web Desk/Agencies): Iran stated on Wednesday that a proposal from the United States, delivered via Pakistani diplomatic channels, is still being evaluated, and Tehran will announce its official stance once its internal review is completed.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei told the semi-official ISNA news agency that the American offer is still under consideration and that Iran will communicate its response to Pakistan after concluding its assessment process.

ISNA also noted that parts of a report by US outlet Axios concerning a possible understanding between Tehran and Washington were described as “media speculation,” adding that Iran’s negotiating team remains focused on what it called efforts aimed at “ending the war completely.” The agency further stated that nuclear-related matters “were not under discussion at this stage” of negotiations.

@IRIMFA_SPOX told #ISNA that the #US plan and proposal remain under consideration, and once #Iran concludes its assessment, it will convey its views to the Pakistani side.https://t.co/EU6Z4mx3Do pic.twitter.com/HTA4HDuhRj

— Isna English (@Isna_English) May 6, 2026

In a separate development, Iran’s Tasnim news agency, citing a knowledgeable source, reported that Tehran has not yet delivered a formal reply to the latest US proposal, as certain elements are considered unacceptable by Iranian officials.

These statements followed an Axios report published on Wednesday suggesting that Iran and the United States were moving closer to an initial agreement designed to halt hostilities and establish a framework for broader talks. The report claimed the draft memorandum would declare an end to the conflict and initiate a 30-day negotiation phase addressing issues including the Strait of Hormuz, Iran’s nuclear programme, and sanctions relief.

Axios further said the proposed arrangement includes a temporary suspension of uranium enrichment activities, gradual easing of sanctions, and expanded international inspections of Iran’s nuclear facilities, while stressing that no final deal has been reached.

Earlier, Esmaeil Baghaei said during a Monday press briefing that the message delivered by the US through Pakistan was still under review, and he accused Washington of continuing to present what he described as “unreasonable demands.” He also dismissed reports about Iran’s so-called “14-point initiative,” saying that issues related to enrichment and nuclear materials remained speculative and “were not under discussion at this stage.”

A source in Pakistan involved in mediation efforts told reporters that the United States and Iran are nearing agreement on a short, one-page memorandum intended to bring an end to the Gulf conflict.

The source said the Axios report accurately reflected the situation and added, “We will close this very soon. We are getting close.” Pakistan, which hosted the only round of peace talks last month, has continued its role as a mediator by passing proposals between the two sides.

The possibility of an agreement led to immediate reactions in global markets, with oil prices falling sharply. Brent crude futures dropped by more than 8 percent to around $100 per barrel, while global stock markets surged and bond yields declined amid optimism that tensions could ease and energy flows stabilise.

The White House, the State Department, and Iranian officials contacted by Reuters did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Meanwhile, CNBC quoted an Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson as saying that Tehran was assessing a 14-point proposal from the United States.

Axios reported that Washington believes progress is being made toward a one-page memorandum aimed at ending the conflict. This development came shortly after US President Donald Trump suspended a three-day-old naval operation known as “Project Freedom,” which had been launched to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

According to Axios, the US expected responses from Iran on several key issues within 48 hours. The report added that the draft agreement would include Iran agreeing to halt uranium enrichment, the US lifting sanctions and releasing billions of dollars in frozen Iranian assets, and both sides easing restrictions on movement through the Strait of Hormuz.

The proposed one-page, 14-point memorandum is being negotiated by US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner alongside Iranian officials, through both direct contact and mediation channels, Axios said. It added that the draft would declare an end to regional hostilities and launch a 30-day negotiation period to develop a detailed agreement covering reopening the strait, limiting Iran’s nuclear programme, and lifting US sanctions.

The plan also reportedly envisions a gradual easing of restrictions on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz alongside a phased reduction of the US naval blockade on Iran during the negotiation window. 
However, a US official warned that if talks collapse, military measures could be reinstated and pressure tactics resumed.

Earlier, Trump announced a pause in “Project Freedom,” a mission introduced just days earlier to secure maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. The operation had failed to restore significant shipping activity and coincided with renewed Iranian strikes on vessels in the waterway as well as targets in neighbouring regions.