Tehran Submitted Its Response to Pakistan.. An American Official Describes It as Hardline

SadaNews - While the White House continues to consider its options regarding the war against Iran, Tehran has submitted its response to Pakistan.

Official sources clarified on Monday evening that the highest levels of the regime reviewed the response to the proposal for a ceasefire and the end of the war, according to what the Iranian official agency reported.

Rejection of the Temporary Ceasefire

The response also indicated that the Iranian authorities rejected a ceasefire and affirmed the necessity of ending the war permanently.

It was also revealed that the response consisted of 10 points, which include ending regional conflicts, establishing a safe passage protocol through the Strait of Hormuz, lifting sanctions, and reconstruction.

"Hardline Response"

Meanwhile, an American official considered the Iranian response to be hardline, and it is unclear whether it would lead to a diplomatic solution.

A knowledgeable source revealed earlier today that Pakistan conveyed to both the American and Iranian sides a two-phase plan to end hostilities. He added that the terms of the plan should be approved today, according to what the Reuters agency reported.

It was noted that if the proposal is approved, it will lead to an immediate ceasefire and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, with a final agreement reached within 15 to 20 days. He highlighted that the proposal includes Iran's abandonment of nuclear weapons, the lifting of sanctions against it, and the release of its frozen assets in exchange for the opening of the vital maritime corridor. He explained that the initial understanding will be formulated as a memorandum of understanding to be finalized through Pakistan, which is the sole communication channel in the talks.

Additionally, it was reported that the Chief of Army Staff of Pakistan, Asim Munir, had separate phone conversations with U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, as well as Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

In contrast, the spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Ismail Baqaei, stated that his country had defined its demands based on its interests, adding that "its red lines are clear."

U.S. President Donald Trump had vowed yesterday to unleash devastating destruction across Iran and to bomb bridges and energy facilities if an agreement is not reached and the Strait of Hormuz, through which five shipments of oil and gas flow globally, is not opened.

He also gave the Iranian side a deadline until tomorrow evening, Tuesday, before "opening the gates of hell," as he put it.