By Gloria Nosa
Fresh diplomatic efforts to halt the widening Middle East conflict have emerged after Iran reportedly received a 15-point peace proposal from the United States, delivered through intermediaries in Pakistan, officials confirmed on Wednesday.
The initiative comes as hostilities that erupted on February 28 following joint U.S. and Israel airstrikes on Iran continue to spread across the region, triggering instability in global markets and driving oil prices sharply higher.
Although U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly suggested that progress is being made toward a ceasefire, Iranian authorities have publicly denied that formal negotiations are underway. However, diplomatic sources indicate that communication channels remain active behind the scenes.
Two senior officials in Islamabad disclosed that Washington’s proposals had been transmitted to Tehran through Pakistani intermediaries. Pakistan is increasingly viewed as a potential mediator due to its diplomatic ties with both Iran and the United States.
Fighting Intensifies Despite Diplomatic Moves
Even as diplomatic efforts gather momentum, military activity continues across multiple fronts. Reports indicate strikes and retaliatory attacks in Iran, Israel, Lebanon, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia.
Iran’s military claimed it launched cruise missiles targeting the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier group, forcing it to reposition. Tehran warned that further strikes would follow if U.S. naval forces moved within range.
Meanwhile, Israeli forces confirmed attacks on locations in Tehran and a submarine-related facility in Isfahan.
Residents in Tehran described growing anxiety despite continued access to basic utilities. Many expressed uncertainty about the conflict’s direction and impact on daily life.
Lebanon Drawn Deeper into Conflict
The conflict has also intensified in Lebanon after the Iran-backed group Hezbollah launched rockets into Israel earlier this month. Israeli airstrikes subsequently hit Beirut’s southern suburbs, causing widespread damage and displacement.
Lebanese authorities reported more than 1,000 deaths and over one million people displaced since the escalation began.
Despite the bombardment, residents in the southern city of Tyre vowed to remain in place, expressing determination to stay despite fears of a potential ground invasion.
Details of Proposed Peace Plan
According to Israeli media reports, the U.S. proposal includes a temporary ceasefire followed by negotiations covering a 15-point agreement. Key provisions reportedly include restrictions on Iran’s uranium enrichment activities and the reopening of the critical Strait of Hormuz.
In return, Iran could receive relief from economic sanctions imposed by Washington and its allies.
The Strait of Hormuz remains central to the crisis, as roughly one-fifth of global oil supplies pass through the waterway. Iran has partially restricted access in response to the conflict but recently indicated that non-hostile vessels may still pass safely.
Global Economic Impact Emerging
The possibility of de-escalation lifted global stock markets and pushed oil prices lower, though uncertainty remains high.
The International Energy Agency has signaled readiness to release emergency oil reserves if necessary to stabilize supply.
Meanwhile, economic effects are already being felt worldwide. Sri Lanka introduced additional days off work to conserve fuel, while diesel prices surged in Vietnam, forcing transport operators to suspend operations.
Diplomatic sources caution that while negotiations are underway, it remains too early to predict whether the 15-point plan will lead to a lasting ceasefire.
