Iran says US proposal to end war is under review, Pakistan to be briefed on response

Iran's foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said on Wednesday that a U.S. proposal to end the war remains under review in Tehran, according to local media reports. Baqaei told ISNA news agency that Iran would convey its position to key mediator Pakistan after finalizing its views, as both sides moved closer to a potential one-page agreement.

What is the U.S. proposal to end the war with Iran?

The proposed document is a memorandum of understanding that would halt the war and establish a framework for more detailed nuclear negotiations. Under its terms, Iran would commit to a moratorium on nuclear enrichment, while the U.S. would release billions of dollars in frozen Iranian funds. The two sides have not yet reached a final agreement.

How close are the U.S. and Iran to a deal?

A Pakistani source involved in the peace efforts told Reuters on Wednesday that an agreement was imminent. "We will close this very soon. We are getting close," the source said, confirming an earlier Axios report. Washington expects Tehran's response on key points within 48 hours, according to two U.S. officials cited by Axios.

Axios described the current moment as the closest the two sides have come to a resolution since the conflict began in late February. Washington and Tehran have been negotiating through Pakistani mediators, with Trump crediting their intervention for recent progress. Trump wrote on social media that "Great Progress has been made toward a Complete and Final Agreement" with Tehran.

Trump also issued an ultimatum on Wednesday, threatening Iran with renewed and more intense bombing if it does not accept a peace deal. The warning came even as diplomatic progress through Pakistani mediation continued to advance.

What steps has the U.S. taken to signal a deal is close?

Trump announced on Tuesday that the U.S. would temporarily pause naval escorts for commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz, citing progress toward a potential agreement. He described the pause as a short-term measure to allow space for negotiations, while confirming that a U.S. blockade of Iranian ports would remain in place. The naval escort operation, dubbed "Project Freedom," had run for only one day before being halted.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said separately that Washington had completed its offensive operations against Iran, while warning of a strong response to any further threats to shipping. Rubio accused Iran of threatening global trade and said Washington and its allies are pursuing a UN Security Council resolution on maritime security. Iran had warned vessels against deviating from approved routes through the strait.

What role is China playing in the Iran war negotiations?

China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi called on Wednesday for an immediate and complete cessation of hostilities, urging all sides to avoid renewed escalation and reopen the Strait of Hormuz as soon as possible. The remarks came after talks in Beijing with Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who said fighting must stop "without delay." Wang added that continued negotiation remains essential.

Beijing is a major buyer of Iranian oil and has maintained close ties with Tehran despite U.S. sanctions, giving China a significant stake in any resolution. Araghchi's visit to Beijing also came ahead of Trump's planned trip to China on May 14-15 for talks with President Xi Jinping, adding diplomatic weight to the timing.

What is Iran's position on the proposed peace deal?

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has said Tehran remains open to dialogue but rejects U.S. maximum pressure demands. A fragile ceasefire took effect on April 8, though tensions have persisted, with Iran launching missiles and drones at U.S. forces and Washington striking Iranian vessels it accused of threatening commercial shipping.

Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth said the U.S. is "not looking for a fight," but warned any escalation would draw a strong response. Israel has also signaled readiness to act if required. The conflict continues to weigh on global markets, with oil prices extending losses on Wednesday amid uncertainty over the region's stability.