U.S. Demands Iran Dismantle Nuclear Program, Halt Enrichment, Cap Missiles, End Proxy Funding

U.S.-backed strikes in West Asia intensified ahead of Washington’s 15-point ceasefire proposal, transmitted to Tehran via Pakistan as part of back-channel diplomacy.

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Al Arabiya English

The plan would require dismantling Iran’s nuclear program, halting enrichment, capping ballistic missiles, and ending funding for regional proxies.

Associated Press News

Iran says it is reviewing the proposal but has no intention of holding talks, framing the messages as exchanges through intermediaries rather than negotiations.

U.S. officials publicly warned they would escalate if Iran refuses to concede, as Washington touted new options including a large contingent of airborne troops in the Gulf.

The Pentagon is planning to deploy thousands of troops, and markets reacted with tentative relief as news of the plan circulated.

Iran rejected the 15-point plan and pressed ahead with a counterproposal that framed its terms as non-negotiable.

A five-point set demanded end to aggression and guarantees against a recurrence of war, compensation for damages, an end to hostilities across all fronts involving allied groups, and Iranian sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz.

EconoTimes

Iranian officials stressed that any ceasefire would occur only on Tehran’s timetable and on terms it alone chose.

They reiterated that there have been no formal negotiations, describing exchanges via intermediaries as messaging rather than dialogue.

Mediators including Türkiye and Egypt were cited as assisting efforts, while some regional actors questioned whether genuine talks were underway.

Markets initially rose after the proposal while oil prices fell, reflecting hopes for de‑escalation.

Analysts noted Tehran’s continued leverage over the Strait of Hormuz as a central bargaining chip.

Iran warned that it could open new fronts if provoked, signaling that energy routes could face renewed disruption.

Troop deployments and ongoing airstrikes added to the sense of fragility around any potential ceasefire.

The exact terms and timing of any talks remained unclear, with exchanges described as messages rather than formal negotiations.

Pakistan’s foreign minister described indirect exchanges via Pakistan as the current channel, stressing there have been no formal peace negotiations.

Türkiye and Egypt were cited as assisting diplomatic efforts, signaling a broad regional mediation network.

India Today

Qatar’s role was described as not involved by some Gulf states, underscoring competing regional narratives about who is mediating.

Iran insisted talks would occur only on its terms, reinforcing the view that the process remains a contest of positions rather than a negotiated settlement.