US-Iran tensions persist despite intensified diplomacy
According to a CBS News report, the Trump administration has not made a final decision on potential strikes, but military preparations and contingency planning are ongoing. President Donald Trump reportedly canceled plans for the Memorial Day weekend and returned to the White House amid what officials described as government-related circumstances.
US defense officials are said to be reviewing troop deployments and personnel readiness across the Middle East as concerns grow over possible escalation if negotiations collapse.
Pakistan and Qatar step up mediation
Pakistan has emerged as the main intermediary between Washington and Tehran, with Pakistani Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir arriving in Tehran on Friday for talks with Iranian officials. It marks his second visit since Pakistan helped broker a temporary ceasefire on April 8 following weeks of conflict triggered by US and Israeli strikes on Iran.
Pakistani mediation has also included indirect talks hosted in Islamabad, described as the highest-level contacts between the US and Iran since 1979.
At the same time, a Qatari delegation held discussions in Tehran with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi as Gulf states intensified diplomatic efforts to prevent a return to open conflict.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan also held separate phone calls with Qatari officials and Pakistani mediators to discuss the latest developments in the negotiations.
Reports of new US proposal
American journalist Alex Marquardt reported that Washington recently presented Tehran with a multi-step proposal that includes significant economic incentives.
According to the report, the proposal includes sanctions relief, waivers for Iranian oil exports, gradual unfreezing of Iranian assets, and a reconstruction fund for war-related damages. The plan would reportedly delay decisions on Iran’s nuclear enrichment program until later negotiations while requiring Tehran to commit to not developing nuclear weapons.
The proposed memorandum of understanding would also include an immediate halt to military operations and steps toward restoring maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran demands sanctions relief
Iranian officials, however, insisted Tehran is not seeking concessions from Washington.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said Iran’s primary demands remain the lifting of sanctions and access to frozen financial assets.
“We are only seeking our rights,” Baghaei said, rejecting US accusations regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
He also criticized the continued US naval blockade near the Strait of Hormuz, calling it a violation of international law.
Fragile ceasefire under pressure
Regional tensions remain high despite the ceasefire that took effect in April. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard has warned that any future US or Israeli attack could expand the conflict beyond the region.
While diplomatic channels remain active, officials on all sides appear to be preparing for both a negotiated settlement and the possibility of renewed confrontation.
Source:AA
