WASHINGTON — The Trump administration awaited a formal response from Iran on Saturday to a 15-point U.S. peace proposal aimed at ending the month-long conflict, as backchannel talks continued through intermediaries.
The proposal, delivered via Pakistan earlier this week, includes demands that Iran end its nuclear program, curb its missile capabilities, cease support for regional proxy militias and fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz to international shipping. In exchange, the United States has offered sanctions relief, according to officials briefed on the diplomacy. Iranian officials have described the plan as one-sided but indicated they are reviewing it and considering a counterproposal.
President Donald Trump extended by 10 days his deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, setting the new cutoff for April 6 at 8 p.m. Eastern time. Trump said the extension came at Iran's request and that indirect discussions were progressing. He has warned of potential U.S. strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure if the waterway remains closed.
The Strait of Hormuz has seen sharply reduced commercial traffic since Iran began enforcing restrictions in early March following U.S. and Israeli military strikes. The waterway normally carries about one-fifth of global oil trade. Maritime data showed only sporadic approved transits, with some vessels rerouted through narrow passages under Iranian control.
The conflict escalated in late February with strikes on Iranian targets. Iran has responded with missile and drone attacks on U.S. and allied positions, including a recent strike on Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia that wounded at least 10 U.S. service members. Israeli forces conducted airstrikes on Tehran and other sites earlier this week.
U.S. troop deployments to the region have increased, with additional Marines and Army units positioned to support operations. The administration has described the peace proposal as a basis for negotiations while maintaining pressure through the deadline on the strait.
As of Saturday, Iranian authorities had not issued a public response to the latest U.S. proposal. Diplomatic contacts through third parties, including Pakistan, remained active. The situation at the Strait of Hormuz stayed restricted, with limited maritime traffic reported and energy markets continuing to reflect ongoing disruptions.