Iran is considering a new proposal from the United States aimed at ending the conflict between the two countries, Bloomberg quoted a person familiar with the matter as saying.
News reports said Washington presented Tehran with a one-page memorandum of understanding that, if accepted, could pave the way for the gradual reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the lifting of the US blockade of Iranian ports.
More detailed talks on Iran’s nuclear program would follow later, and she stressed that “nothing has been agreed yet,” the report said.
The proposal includes sanctions relief and an enrichment freeze
According to the news outlet, the proposed framework includes provisions for easing sanctions against Iran as well as temporarily halting uranium enrichment activities.
The source reportedly said all elements of the deal could be reversed if wider nuclear talks fail to produce a final deal.
However, Iranian state-linked media signaled opposition to parts of the proposal. The semi-official Iranian Students’ News Agency (ISNA) said the plan “contains excessive and unrealistic proposals that have been strongly rejected by our country’s authorities in recent days.”
Iran is expected to communicate its response through Pakistani mediators within the next two days, Bloomberg reported.
Trump warns against renewed military action
US President Donald Trump warned on Wednesday (6 May) that military operations could intensify if Iran rejects the proposal.
Posting on Truth Social, Trump wrote: “Assuming Iran agrees to deliver what was agreed upon, which is perhaps a big assumption, the legendary Epic Fury will be over.”
He added: “If they don’t agree, the bombing will begin.”
Trump also said the US blockade would eventually allow the Strait of Hormuz to reopen “to everyone, including Iran” if a deal is struck.
China calls for continued talks
China has also stepped up diplomatic efforts as pressure mounts to prevent renewed fighting.
During the talks in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi called on Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to continue negotiations.
Wang warned that “resumption of hostilities is not recommended”.
Araghchi said China has put forward its own four-point proposal for regional peace and stability, although further details have not been released.
Project Svoboda stalled in the middle of peace efforts
On Tuesday (May 5), Trump also confirmed that the US had suspended its military initiative to escort commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz after just one day of operations.
The mission, known as “Project Freedom,” was designed to guide stranded ships through a critical global energy route amid ongoing tensions with Iran.
Trump said the decision followed requests from Pakistan and other countries involved in the mediation effort.
“Great progress has been made toward a full and final deal with Tehran,” Trump wrote on social media.
He added: “We have mutually agreed that while the Blockade will remain in full force and effect, Project Freedom…will be suspended for a short period of time to determine whether an agreement can be finalized and signed.”
Despite the pause, Trump said the US blockade of Iranian ports would remain in place while Iran continued to restrict movement through the Strait of Hormuz.
Read also | Trump Drops Explosive Ultimatum: ‘Bombing Begins’ If Iran Rejects Deal
