Iran sends ceasefire response to US through Pakistani mediators

Last week, Iran said US military activity in the Persian Gulf had deepened doubts in Tehran regarding Washington’s intentions.

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

Iran delivered its response to the latest US ceasefire proposal through Pakistani mediators, Iran’s official IRNA news agency reported Sunday, as negotiations continued over efforts to halt regional fighting and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

IRNA said the discussions are centered on “ending the war in the region.” The report came after Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Friday that Washington expected Tehran’s answer within hours. Later Friday, President Trump said the response would likely arrive “tonight.” By Saturday, however, there had been no public indication whether Iran planned to accept or reject the proposal.

Last week, an Iranian account of diplomatic contacts published by the ISNA news agency said recent US military activity in the Persian Gulf had deepened doubts in Tehran regarding Washington’s intentions.

“The recent escalation of tensions by American forces in the Persian Gulf and their numerous actions in violating the ceasefire have added to suspicions about the motivation and seriousness of the American side in the path of diplomacy,” the ISNA account said.

Ali Safari, an adviser to the Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman, told Lebanon’s Al-Mayadeen network last week that Tehran viewed the Strait of Hormuz as part of the broader regional conflict.

“Iran’s priority is to stop the war, open the Strait of Hormuz and stop American maritime piracy,” Safari said.

He added: “When we say ending the war, we mean all fronts, especially Lebanon. We decided to use the Strait of Hormuz card for the Lebanese front. We are in contact with official parties in Lebanon.”

Safari also accused the United Arab Emirates of participating in military operations against Iran.

“The United Arab Emirates is among the countries that participated in the war against Iran. We have evidence,” he said.

Meanwhile, United States Central Command said Saturday that US forces had “diverted 58 commercial vessels and disabled four, since April 13, to prevent ships from entering or leaving Iranian ports,” describing the actions as part of blockade operations in the Strait of Hormuz.