US and Iran Respond to Pakistani-Qatari Proposal to Resume Talks Amid Rising Tensions

Saudi news channel Al Arabiya reported on Sunday that the United States and Iran have submitted their responses to a Pakistani-Qatari initiative aimed at restarting diplomatic talks. This development follows Iran's rejection last Thursday of a ceasefire proposal from US President Donald Trump, which was delivered to Tehran by Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi, according to Iranian and Iraqi sources who spoke to The New York Times. The failed mediation attempt occurred amid Trump's threats to escalate the conflict and target critical infrastructure in Iran.

The sources, who requested anonymity due to the sensitive security nature of the discussions, noted that Al-Zaidi's visit to Iran came after his recent meeting with Trump at the White House. Iranian officials emphasized that if Trump carries out his threats to strike Tehran and vital facilities, Iran would broaden the conflict, potentially involving Israel and instructing its allies, the Houthis, to close the Bab al-Mandab Strait.

Details of the ceasefire proposal remain undisclosed, but Iranian sources clarified that it was the only offer presented and that the Iranian government is unwilling to accept a temporary arrangement that leaves the issue of control over the Strait of Hormuz unresolved.