Iran delivers reply to US war proposal through Pakistan, signals talks on ending conflict
WASHINGTON, DC: Iran said on Sunday, May 10, that it has formally responded to the latest US proposal aimed at ending the conflict that began in late February, marking a new step in ongoing diplomatic efforts to halt hostilities.
According to Iranian state media, Tehran’s reply was delivered through a Pakistani mediator, though officials did not disclose details of the proposal or Iran’s response.
The development comes as both Washington and Tehran continue to exchange messages over a possible framework for ending the war, even as military tensions and domestic restrictions inside Iran remain in place.
Iranian officials have said the current phase of talks is focused on ending the broader regional conflict.
Iran confirms response and says focused on ending war
Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency reported that Tehran’s response to the latest US draft proposal had been formally sent through Pakistani mediation.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran’s response to the latest proposed US draft aimed at ending the war was delivered today through a Pakistani mediator,” IRNA said.
The agency added that under the proposed framework, “negotiations at this stage will focus on the issue of ending the war in the region.”
Iran has formally presented to Pakistani mediators its response to the latest US proposal aimed at ending the war of aggression against the country, a source familiar with the matter confirmed on Sunday.https://t.co/swlVezmisJ pic.twitter.com/pi4tt3MiBq
— IRNA News Agency ☫ (@IrnaEnglish) May 10, 2026
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said that engaging in talks should not be interpreted as a concession by Tehran.
“We will never bow our heads before the enemy, and if talk of dialogue or negotiation arises, it does not mean surrender or retreat,” Pezeshkian said in a post on X.
“Rather, the goal is to uphold the rights of the Iranian nation and to defend national interests with resolute strength,” he added.
هرگز در برابر دشمن سر خم نخواهیم کرد و اگر سخنی از گفتوگو یا مذاکره مطرح میشود، معنای آن تسلیم یا عقبنشینی نیست. بلکه هدف، احقاق حقوق ملت ایران و دفاع مقتدرانه از منافع ملی است.
— Masoud Pezeshkian (@drpezeshkian) May 10, 2026
Other Iranian officials also commented on the diplomatic track. Ebrahim Rezaie, a member of parliament’s security committee, said “Time is moving against the Americans,” while urging Washington to avoid actions that could deepen the conflict.
Iran’s response follows repeated statements from US officials, including President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, saying they were awaiting Tehran’s formal reply on the peace proposal.
Military on alert as blackout continues inside Iran
As diplomatic contacts continue, Iranian military officials said forces remain on heightened readiness around the country’s nuclear infrastructure.
Brig Gen Akrami Nia told state media late Saturday that Iranian forces are on “full readiness” to protect nuclear sites and uranium storage facilities.
“We considered it possible that they might intend to steal it through infiltration operations or heliborne operations,” Akrami Nia said, without providing further details.
Iran’s uranium stockpile remains a central issue in negotiations. The International Atomic Energy Agency has previously reported that Iran holds more than 970 pounds of uranium enriched to 60% purity, a level close to weapons-grade.
Meanwhile, internet monitoring group NetBlocks said Iran’s nationwide internet blackout has now entered its third month, surpassing 1,700 hours.
“The unprecedented measure is well into its third month with no indication of a wider restoration,” NetBlocks said.
The restrictions have remained in place since the conflict began on February 28, limiting public access to the global internet while maintaining limited domestic online services.