The United States has submitted a 15-point ceasefire proposal to Iran, seeking to end a war that has been ongoing since late February, while simultaneously reinforcing its military presence across the Middle East. The plan, delivered through Pakistan acting as an intermediary, outlines a set of conditions covering Iran's nuclear programme, regional activities, and control of key shipping routes — in exchange for sanctions relief and civilian nuclear cooperation.
The proposal, confirmed by Pakistani officials speaking to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity, broadly covers sanctions relief, a rollback of Iran's nuclear programme, monitoring by the International Atomic Energy Agency, missile limitations, and guaranteed access through the Strait of Hormuz. Israeli Channel 12, citing sources, reported the US is seeking a one-month ceasefire during which both sides would negotiate the full 15-point framework.
Specific demands reportedly include the dismantling of nuclear facilities at Natanz, Isfahan, and Fordow, a halt to all uranium enrichment, the transfer of Iran's enriched uranium stockpile to the IAEA, and an end to financial and military support for allied groups across the region. In return, Washington has offered comprehensive sanctions relief — a long-standing Iranian demand — along with support for Iran's civilian nuclear energy sector, including cooperation at the Bushehr nuclear facility.
Pakistan has emerged as a key facilitator. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif publicly offered to host negotiations between Washington and Tehran in Islamabad, a gesture that US President Donald Trump reposted on social media, expressing support. The involvement of Pakistan reflects the continued use of regional actors to bridge direct communication between two governments with no formal diplomatic ties.
The ceasefire effort comes as the US military prepares to significantly expand its regional footprint. The Pentagon is deploying two Marine Expeditionary Units, adding approximately 5,000 Marines and thousands of sailors to a force that already stands at around 50,000 troops. At least 1,000 soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division are also being mobilised. Israeli officials, who have been urging Washington to continue military pressure on Iran, were reportedly caught off guard by the ceasefire submission.
Iran's response has been dismissive. An Iranian military spokesman declared that the US was effectively negotiating with itself and that fighting would continue. Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf rejected Trump's claims of direct talks, and Iran's armed forces publicly reaffirmed their commitment to continuing the conflict. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian had earlier stated the war would only end if the US and Israel immediately ceased all acts of aggression and provided guarantees against recurrence.
In a partial shift, Iran notified the International Maritime Organization on March 25 that "non-hostile vessels" — those not linked to or supporting acts of aggression against Iran — could transit the Strait of Hormuz under specific safety conditions. The announcement followed Trump's earlier threat to strike Iranian power plants if the strait was not fully reopened, a deadline he subsequently delayed by five days citing diplomatic progress. One Thai oil tanker made it through the waterway on the same day, the first confirmed passage in weeks.
Financial markets reacted sharply to the ceasefire reports. Brent crude fell as low as $97.57 per barrel — a decline of nearly 5 to 7 percent — after having traded above $104 the previous day. Asian and European equity markets moved higher, with Japan's Nikkei rising nearly 3 percent, reflecting investor expectations of potential de-escalation.
As of March 25, Iran had not formally accepted or responded to the proposal. An Egyptian official involved in mediation efforts described the plan as "like a comprehensive deal" but noted it was being treated as a base for further negotiation, adding that Iranian officials remained "very skeptical" of the Trump administration. The gap between the two sides — on nuclear concessions, missile programmes, and trust — remains substantial. Whether the ceasefire plan leads to substantive talks or further escalation remains unresolved.
Muskan Zahra
