Two Pakistani officials reportedly confirmed that Iran received a 15-point ceasefire proposal from the Trump administration, aimed at ending the ongoing conflict in the Middle East region.
The peace plan mentions sanctions relief, limits of Iran’s nuclear programme, monitoring by the International Atomic Energy Agency, missile limits and access for ships through the Strait of Hormuz, a Pakistani official told The Associated Press.
The confirmation comes after reports of President Donald Trump sending the peace plan to Iran, and also reportedly seeking a month-long ceasefire.
Pakistan Offers To Mediate
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Islamabad was ready to facilitate talks. In a post on X, he stated, “Subject to concurrence by the US and Iran, Pakistan stands ready and honoured to be the host to facilitate meaningful and conclusive talks for a comprehensive settlement of the ongoing conflict.”
Trump shared a screenshot of Sharif’s post on his Truth Social account, marking a shift after repeatedly claiming that America had “already won” the war.
Trump Claims Talks Underway
The US President on Tuesday said that the US is in “negotiations right now”, adding that his special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, State Secretary Marco Rubio, and Vice President JD Vance were all involved.
“They’re talking to us, and they’re talking sense. It all starts with they cannot have a nuclear weapon,” Trump said.
He added that the US was engaging with the right people and that Iran wanted a deal. “…They want to make a deal so badly, you have no idea how badly they want to make it,” he said.
US Troop Movements
The 82nd Airborne, considered the US Army’s emergency response force, is reportedly ready for short-notice deployment. It would add to US troop presence after officials said thousands of Marines aboard Navy ships would be heading to the Middle East.
The 82nd Airborne troops are trained to parachute into hostile or contested territory to secure key locations and airfields.
Oil Prices React
Oil prices fell sharply after reports of the peace plan. Prices plunged more than 5 per cent early on Wednesday and later remained lower by more than 4 per cent.
Brent crude futures declined 4 per cent to $100.32 per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate crude futures dropped 3.4 per cent to $89.24 per barrel.
Iran-Israel Tensions Persist
Despite indications of possible talks, tensions between Iran and Israel continued.
Both sides intensified strikes, with Israeli defence minister Israel Katz saying the campaign would continue “at full intensity”.
The Israeli military said Iran fired dozens of missiles at Israel during the first two days of the war, though the number “dropped quickly”.
Modi Backs De-Escalation
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Donald Trump on Tuesday and reiterated India’s support for peace in the Middle East.
In a post on X, Modi said he had a “useful exchange of views on the situation in West Asia”.
“India supports de-escalation and restoration of peace at the earliest. Ensuring that the Strait of Hormuz remains open, secure and accessible is essential for the whole world,” he said.
He added that both sides agreed to remain in touch “regarding efforts towards peace and stability”.
