‘They can’t have nuclear weapons’: US pushes for 15-point plan to end Iran war sent through Pakistan

U.S. President Donald Trump shared a 15-point proposal with Iran aimed at ending the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, saying “it all starts with them not having nuclear weapons,” the New York Times reported, citing officials familiar with the matter, signaling a renewed push for U.S. diplomatic efforts even as military operations continue.The plan, communicated through Pakistan, outlines key issues including Iran’s ballistic missile and nuclear programs as Washington seeks an exit from a war that is now in its fourth week and has expanded to involve multiple countries. Israel Channel 12 said Trump proposed a month-long ceasefire, during which the two sides would discuss a proposal that would include handing over enriched uranium to Iran and banning further enrichment. The New York Times said it had not reviewed the document but was told it also addressed maritime safety concerns. Since the conflict began on February 28, Iran has effectively restricted Western shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting global oil and gas supplies and driving up prices.The proposal also tends to involve Iran ensuring safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.Israel reported that after complying with the plan, Iran would end all sanctions imposed in various forms over the years, AFP reported. Iran will also receive assistance in developing civilian nuclear energy in Bushehr, a key location dating back to before the 1979 Islamic Revolution. However, it is unclear how widely the proposal has spread within Iran’s leadership or whether Tehran is willing to participate on this basis. It is unclear whether Israel supports the initiative.Despite diplomatic efforts, hostilities show no immediate signs of easing. Israeli officials said the military operation could last for weeks. White House Press Secretary Carolyn Leavitt acknowledged the parallel diplomatic efforts, saying: “As President Trump and his negotiators explore this new diplomatic possibility, Operation Epic Fury continues unabated to achieve the military goals set by the Commander in Chief and the Pentagon.“Pakistan and its army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, have been positioning themselves as possible intermediaries, using their reported ties with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to facilitate communications. Egypt and Türkiye also encouraged Tehran to engage constructively, officials said.According to reports, Munir has contacted Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and suggested that Pakistan host talks between the two sides. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif backed the initiative, saying his country “fully supports ongoing efforts for dialogue to end the conflict.” “Pakistan stands ready and honored to host meaningful and decisive talks with the consent of the United States and Iran to comprehensively resolve the ongoing conflict,” he said in a social media post.Iran’s ability to respond quickly remains uncertain. Senior officials reportedly faced communication challenges and security concerns, fearing they would be targeted if they met in person. Early in the conflict, Israeli airstrikes killed several senior Iranian leaders, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, creating uncertainty about Tehran’s decision-making authority.While the United States and Israel target Iran’s missile infrastructure and nuclear facilities, Iran continues to launch attacks on Israel and its neighbors. It is also believed to maintain a large stockpile of highly enriched uranium.The latest diplomatic push suggests that Washington may be willing, at least for now, to allow the current Iranian regime to continue to exist in a weakened form, despite previous stances on regime change appearing to waver.