Pakistan Delivers Revised Iran Peace Proposal to U.S. as Middle East War Talks Stall

Pakistan has delivered a revised Iranian peace proposal to the United States as efforts to end the Middle East conflict stall, with diplomats warning that time is running out for a breakthrough.

By Folarin Aluko

Diplomatic efforts to end the ongoing conflict in the Middle East have taken a new turn as Pakistan reportedly delivered a revised peace proposal from Iran to the United States, amid warnings that negotiations are rapidly running out of time.

A Pakistani government source told Reuters that the updated proposal was shared as part of ongoing mediation efforts aimed at reducing tensions following weeks of hostilities linked to airstrikes and retaliatory attacks across the region.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei later confirmed that Tehran’s position had been conveyed to Washington through Pakistan, though details of the revised proposal were not made public.

The development comes as a fragile ceasefire remains in place following six weeks of conflict that erupted after U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iranian targets. However, diplomatic talks have stalled, with both sides struggling to bridge major disagreements.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has described the ceasefire as being “on life support,” warning that time is running out for Iran to reach an agreement with Western powers.

According to diplomatic sources, the United States continues to demand the dismantling of Iran’s nuclear programme and an end to restrictions affecting shipping through the strategic Strait of Hormuz — a critical global oil route responsible for a significant portion of the world’s energy supply.

In contrast, Iran is demanding compensation for war-related damages, guarantees against further attacks, and the lifting of economic restrictions, including the resumption of oil exports and the easing of pressure on its maritime operations.

Tehran has also insisted that any agreement must address wider regional conflicts, including fighting in Lebanon involving Israel and Hezbollah-linked forces.

A Pakistani official involved in the mediation warned that both sides are frequently shifting their positions, making it increasingly difficult to achieve a breakthrough.

“We don’t have much time,” the source said, adding that negotiations risk collapse if urgent compromises are not reached.

Tensions remain high despite a reduction in large-scale military operations since the ceasefire began in April. However, drone activity and sporadic attacks have continued across parts of the Middle East, including the Gulf region.

Officials in the United Arab Emirates recently reported a fire at a nuclear facility following a suspected drone strike, while Saudi Arabia confirmed it intercepted multiple incoming drones. These incidents have further raised concerns about regional escalation.

The crisis has also had a major impact on global energy markets, with disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz contributing to rising oil prices, inflationary pressures, and volatility in international stock markets.

Analysts warn that continued instability could deepen the global energy crisis, especially as the Strait remains one of the most important maritime routes for crude oil and liquefied natural gas shipments worldwide.

Meanwhile, diplomatic pressure is mounting in Washington, where officials are reportedly divided over the direction of U.S. foreign policy, particularly as domestic political concerns and upcoming elections heighten sensitivity to rising fuel prices.

As mediation efforts continue, observers say the coming days will be critical in determining whether diplomatic channels can prevent a return to full-scale conflict or whether the region risks sliding back into intensified warfare.