The Ceasefire Is On Life Support. Trump Is Meeting His National Security Advisers On Military Options. And Iran Says The Choice Is Now In Washington’s Hands.
According to Al Jazeera, Iran has submitted a response to the latest United States proposal to end the war via mediator Pakistan, as a fragile truce comes under growing strain. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei confirmed on Monday that Tehran’s response had been “conveyed to the American side through mediator Pakistan.”
Iran’s ceasefire proposal demands include the release of its assets frozen abroad, the lifting of sanctions, and continued Iranian management of the strategic Strait of Hormuz, which Tehran has largely kept closed since the start of the war.
An official Iranian source told Al Jazeera the response was “realistic and positive,” adding: “Washington’s positive response to our proposal will move negotiations forward quickly. The choice now lies with Washington.”
The Pentagon has prepared target lists including Iranian energy and infrastructure facilities, according to CNN. Brigadier General Abolfazl Shekarchi, spokesman for Iran’s Armed Forces, warned that any repeat of US military action would trigger “more crushing and intense strikes.”
Axios reported that Trump is expected to meet top national security advisers on Tuesday to discuss options for resuming military action which if implemented, could damage the ceasefire opportunity even further.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said he is “optimistic about achieving permanent peace between the United States and Iran” and that Islamabad is working to “do its utmost” to guarantee that outcome. Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi arrived in Tehran over the weekend meeting senior Iranian officials in a scramble to prevent the ceasefire from collapsing entirely.
Trump warned late Sunday: “For Iran, the Clock is Ticking, and they better get moving, FAST, or there won’t be anything left of them.”
Both sides are still talking. Both sides are also preparing for the alternative.
To check out our previous coverage on the Iran-US conflict and Pakistan’s mediation, read our articles here.
