Iran Sends Response to US War Proposals as Tensions Escalate Over Strait of Hormuz.

Tehran responds to Washington's 14-point memo aimed at ending the conflict, but details remain undisclosed

Iran has officially submitted its response to US proposals to end the ongoing war, according to Iranian state media. Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, whose country has acted as a mediator, confirmed receiving Tehran's reply but declined to share any specifics. He did not indicate whether the response has been forwarded to Washington.

President Donald Trump made no mention of Iran's response in a Truth Social post, instead warning that Iran would no longer be permitted to "play games."

The ceasefire, established to facilitate negotiations for ending the US-Israeli initiated war that began on 28 February, has largely held despite sporadic exchanges of fire.

Details of US Proposal Emerge

US news outlet Axios reported that the American memo—a single page containing 14 points—includes provisions for suspending Iranian nuclear enrichment, lifting sanctions, and restoring free transit through the Strait of Hormuz. Citing two US officials and two other unnamed sources familiar with the matter, Axios noted that many terms would depend on reaching a final agreement.

Iran's ISNA news agency stated that Tehran's response focuses on "ending the war and maritime security" in the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz.

Competing Pressures and Military Threats

Iran continues to block the strategic waterway, driving up global oil prices. Meanwhile, the US has enforced a blockade on Iranian ports to pressure Tehran into accepting its terms—a move that has drawn sharp Iranian criticism.

On Sunday, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said: "We will never bow our heads before the enemy, and if talk of dialogue or negotiation arises, it does not mean surrender or retreat."

Trump has repeatedly claimed the war in Iran will be "over quickly." However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insisted that Iran's enriched uranium stockpile must be "taken out" before the conflict can be considered resolved. "There's still enrichment sites that have to be dismantled," Netanyahu said in a CBS '60 Minutes' preview.

Regional Tensions Boil Over

Iran has warned neighboring countries against complying with US sanctions. Military spokesman Mohammad Akraminia stated that vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz would face "severe consequences" without prior coordination with Tehran, adding that Americans "will never be able to turn this vast expanse in the northern Indian Ocean into a real blockade."

The UK's Maritime Trade Operations Centre reported that a bulk carrier was "hit by an unknown projectile" 23 nautical miles northeast of Doha, Qatar, causing a small fire but no casualties. Iran's Fars news agency, citing an unnamed source, claimed the vessel was "sailing under the US flag."

Separately, Kuwait reported drones entering its airspace, while the UAE said its air defenses intercepted two drones originating from Iran.

International Response

The British Royal Navy is sending a warship to the Middle East to potentially join an international mission safeguarding shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, alongside French President Emmanuel Macron, has championed the mission, though Starmer said it would only commence once fighting ends.

Iran warned of a "decisive and immediate response" to any French or British deployments. Macron responded that France had "never envisaged" a naval deployment but rather a security mission "coordinated with Iran."

Defence ministers from over 40 nations will meet on Monday to discuss UK-led plans for protecting shipping in the strait once hostilities cease.

In a 6 May Truth Social post, Trump wrote: "If Iran does not agree to a deal, the bombing starts, and it will be, sadly, at a much higher level and intensity than it was before."