Iran Sends Peace Proposal Response as Tanker Crosses Strait of Hormuz
CNBC reported Sunday that Iran has transmitted its Iran peace proposal to mediator Pakistan, signaling a tentative diplomatic step in the ongoing regional war. Iranian state television said the response centered on ending hostilities across all fronts, with particular emphasis on Lebanon and maritime safety in the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran’s Response Focuses on Ceasefire, Not Nuclear Talks
Tehran’s reply followed an earlier U.S. offer to halt fighting before addressing more contentious issues, including Iran’s nuclear program. Iran’s position, per a source familiar with the matter, was that any negotiations must focus exclusively on ending hostilities rather than expanding into nuclear or other structural disputes.
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Michael Waltz said Washington had not yet received Tehran’s response as of Sunday morning. Speaking on ABC’s “This Week,” Waltz pointed to leadership uncertainty inside Iran as a key obstacle slowing the process. He noted that Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the late Supreme Leader, has been severely injured and is difficult to reach, though the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps reportedly still defers to him. Waltz said diplomacy was nonetheless continuing.
A Tanker Moves Through, but Drones Keep Flying
A QatarEnergy-operated LNG carrier became the first Qatari vessel to transit the strait since the war started on February 28. Shipping analytics firm Kpler tracked the vessel heading toward Pakistan’s Port Qasim. A Panama-flagged bulk carrier also passed through using an Iranian military-designated route, according to Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency.
Iran reportedly approved the crossings to build goodwill with Qatar and Pakistan, both active mediators. The passage offered brief relief to Pakistan, which has suffered widespread power blackouts following disruptions to gas imports.
Despite those signs of progress, Gulf states remained on high alert. The United Arab Emirates intercepted two Iranian drones on Sunday. Qatar condemned a separate drone strike on a cargo ship in its waters. Kuwait said its air defenses engaged hostile drones that penetrated its airspace.
Background: The Strait as an Energy Chokepoint
Before the war erupted, the Strait of Hormuz carried roughly one-fifth of global oil supply, making it the world’s most critical maritime chokepoint. Iran has largely blocked non-Iranian commercial vessels since hostilities began, triggering a global energy crisis and raising fears of broader economic damage.
President Donald Trump faces mounting pressure to reach a resolution before his scheduled visit to China this week. Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani met U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Miami on Saturday to discuss mediation efforts, underlining the diplomatic urgency surrounding the conflict.
