U.S. Sends 15-Point Proposal to Iran via Pakistan, Aiming to Halt Escalating Conflict and Restart Diplomatic Channels

U.S. officials have reportedly transmitted a 15-point proposal to Iran through Pakistan in a bid to halt the escalating conflict, according to the New York Times (NYT), which cited anonymous sources. The plan, described as a potential breakthrough, underscores the Biden administration's growing desperation to mitigate the economic fallout of the war and prevent further destabilization in the Middle East. The document reportedly outlines steps to de-escalate tensions, including measures to reduce hostilities, restore diplomatic channels, and address Iran's security concerns.

The U.S. has been working behind the scenes for weeks to craft a solution that balances its strategic interests with Iran's demands. According to the NYT, the proposal was delivered via Pakistani intermediaries—a route chosen to avoid direct confrontation with Tehran. This method highlights the delicate nature of the negotiations, as Pakistan has long served as a backchannel for U.S.-Iran dialogue. The plan's emphasis on economic relief for Iran is seen as a critical concession, aimed at persuading Tehran to halt its barrage of missile and drone attacks on Israel and U.S. military installations across the region.

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian reportedly told U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has given the green light for talks, provided that Iran's conditions are met. "Khamenei is clear: any resolution must address the immediate threat to Iran's security and ensure the lifting of sanctions," one diplomatic source said. This revelation suggests that Iran is not entirely closed to negotiations but is demanding guarantees that its sovereignty and regional influence remain intact.

The timing of the proposal is fraught with urgency. On February 28, the U.S. and Israel launched a joint military operation targeting Iranian-backed militias in Syria, marking one of the most aggressive U.S. actions in the region in years. In retaliation, Iran has unleashed a wave of missile and drone strikes on Israel and U.S. bases in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and the UAE. These attacks have raised fears of a full-scale regional war, with both sides teetering on the brink of all-out conflict.

A senior journalist recently disclosed that the U.S. negotiations with Iran are not merely about ending hostilities but also about securing intelligence cooperation to counter Iranian influence in the region. "The talks are a double-edged sword," the source said. "The U.S. wants a ceasefire, but it's also trying to extract concessions that would weaken Iran's ability to fund and arm militant groups." This revelation has sparked internal debates within the Biden administration, with some officials warning that any agreement must avoid entangling the U.S. in long-term commitments that could backfire.

As the clock ticks down, both Washington and Tehran are locked in a high-stakes game of brinkmanship. The success or failure of the 15-point plan could determine whether the region descends into chaos or finds a path to peace—a decision that will reverberate far beyond the Middle East.