Iran Proposes Ceasefire Amid Secret Talks Following US Strikes

After nearly two weeks of continuous US strikes against Iran, the past 48 hours have seen a notable lull in hostilities, with neither side launching attacks. Diplomatic sources close to both Washington and Tehran indicate intense behind-the-scenes efforts to secure a ceasefire and resume negotiations based on a memorandum of understanding signed over a month ago. US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz recently acknowledged the possibility of renewed talks, stating that President Trump is allowing diplomatic space before deciding on further action.

Iranian officials express cautious skepticism about the US maintaining the ceasefire but confirm that if the US halts attacks, Iran will reciprocate. New draft proposals from Pakistani mediators reportedly include compromises on the strategic Strait of Hormuz, suggesting an established 'middle' shipping route between the northern path near Iran and the southern route near Oman. The proposals also involve unfreezing approximately $1.3 billion of Iranian funds held in Qatar.

Despite signaling readiness to return to negotiations, Iran insists that the US was the party to withdraw from talks and emphasizes that any discussions must occur within an agreed framework. Tehran places the Strait of Hormuz at the core of the dispute, opposing the establishment of competing shipping lanes and stating that nuclear issues will be addressed only after resolving maritime concerns. The situation remains delicate as both sides weigh the prospects of de-escalation and diplomatic engagement.