Iran rejects US 15-point plan to end war

Iranian state television, citing an unidentified senior official, said Wednesday that Iran had rejected a peace plan proposed by the United States to end the Middle East war. “Iran has responded negatively to an American proposal aimed at ending the ongoing imposed war,” the official said, according to the English-language broadcaster Press TV. “The end […]

Iranian state television, citing an unidentified senior official, said Wednesday that Iran had rejected a peace plan proposed by the United States to end the Middle East war.

“Iran has responded negatively to an American proposal aimed at ending the ongoing imposed war,” the official said, according to the English-language broadcaster Press TV.

“The end of the war will occur when Iran decides it should end, not when Trump envisions its conclusion.”

The proposals from the United States to end the war were sent to Tehran through Pakistani intermediaries, two senior officials in Islamabad told AFP on Wednesday.

The confirmation came after US President Donald Trump voiced optimism about ending a nearly month-long conflict.

Tehran, on its part, had announced it would let “non-hostile” oil vessels through the crucial Strait of Hormuz.

Pakistan has been touted as a possible mediator given its longstanding ties with both neighbouring Iran and the United States, as well as close contacts in the region.

The 15-point US plan to stop the fighting, which has spread across the Middle East, had been “conveyed to Iran via Pakistan”, the two Pakistani officials said, requesting anonymity as they were not allowed to speak publicly on the matter.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his deputy, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, have been in close contact with top Iranian officials, stating that they are ready to host any talks.

They have also been keen to keep Gulf allies onside, and on Wednesday morning, Sharif’s office said he spoke to Saudi Arabia’s de facto ruler, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Islamabad and Riyadh have a mutual defence pact.

The head of the Pakistan army, Field Marshal Asim Munir, has also been involved in diplomatic efforts and spoke to Trump on Sunday, the senior officials said.

Earlier on Wednesday, Iran’s ambassador to Pakistan said there had been no talks between Washington and Tehran, despite Trump’s indication of tentative progress.

“According to my information – and contrary to Trump’s claims – so far, no negotiations, direct or indirect, have taken place between the two countries,” said Reza Amiri Moghadam.