US Submits 15-Point Proposal to Iran to End Middle East Conflict

The United States government has reportedly submitted a proposal containing 15 points to Iran as an effort to ease the conflict in the Middle East. This information was reported on Tuesday (24/3) by The New York Times, citing two officials familiar with the diplomatic process. The report states that the proposal was channelled through Pakistan and includes several strategic steps, such as arrangements related to Iran’s nuclear programme, ballistic missile development, and the security of shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz. However, there is no certainty whether Tehran will accept the offer. Israel’s stance on the proposal is also unclear, while the conflict, now in its fourth week, continues with a series of attacks and retaliatory actions. The report also mentions that Pakistan’s Army Chief, Syed Asim Munir, has played a key role as a mediator between Washington and Tehran. Islamabad has even expressed readiness to host negotiations if both parties agree. Meanwhile, on Monday (23/3), US President Donald Trump announced a five-day pause on attacks targeting Iran’s power plants and energy infrastructure. He stated that the decision was made following very good and productive talks with the Iranian side over the past two days. On the other hand, Iranian officials confirmed receiving messages from several friendly countries conveying the United States’ request to open negotiations to end the conflict. However, they emphasised that there have been no direct talks between Tehran and Washington. Since 28 February, the United States and Israel have been known to have launched airstrikes on Iran, which have killed more than 1,340 people, including the then Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei. In response, Iran has launched retaliatory attacks using drones and missiles targeting Israeli territory as well as other countries such as Jordan, Iraq, and several Gulf states hosting US military assets. These attacks have caused casualties, infrastructure damage, and disrupted global market stability and international air traffic.