U.S.-Iran Peace Talks Gain Momentum Amid Ongoing Conflict

President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that the United States is actively engaged in negotiations with Iran to bring an end to the ongoing war, signaling cautious optimism despite continued military operations in the region. Trump confirmed that talks are progressing with the "right people" in Tehran, noting that Iranian officials are eager to reach a settlement.

According to The New York Times, Washington submitted a 15-point peace proposal to Iran outlining conditions for ending hostilities. Israeli media outlet Channel 12, citing three sources, reported that the plan includes a proposed month-long ceasefire, the dismantlement of Iran's nuclear program, an end to Iranian support for proxy militant groups, and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz — a critical global oil shipping lane currently blocked by Iran.

Trump highlighted a significant concession from Tehran related to maritime access, revealing that Iran has notified international bodies, including the UN Security Council, that non-hostile vessels may now transit the Strait of Hormuz under coordination with Iranian authorities. The Strait, through which approximately 20% of the world's oil supply normally flows, has been effectively closed since U.S. and Israeli strikes began four weeks ago, triggering a historic global energy supply crisis and soaring fuel prices.

Despite diplomatic overtures, Iran's parliament speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf publicly dismissed reports of direct negotiations as "fake news," and military strikes from all sides continued. The U.S. is reportedly preparing to deploy thousands of additional soldiers from the elite 82nd Airborne Division, adding to the 50,000 troops already stationed in the region.

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif offered to host formal peace talks between Washington and Tehran, with government sources indicating discussions are at an advanced stage and could materialize within a week.