Iran response to US draft peace deal escalates diplomatic tug‑of‑war

Iran response to US draft peace deal sparks new diplomatic flashpoint

Iranian officials delivered a formal reply to the latest U.S. amendments on Thursday, using Pakistani mediators as the conduit, a regional source told Reuters. The move signals that back‑channel talks are still alive despite President Trump’s public threats of a naval blockade and possible strikes.

What the amendment package entails

The White House envoy, Steve Witkoff, sent a list of changes that re‑inject the nuclear question into the draft. One clause demands Iran halt any attempt to move enriched uranium from its bombed facilities or restart activity while negotiations proceed. The demand was framed as a prerequisite for any further de‑escalation.

“Nobody knows what the talks are except myself and a couple of other people,” Trump told reporters, hinting at a frantic push for a deal.

Iranian state media portrayed the U.S. overture as a sign of desperation, a narrative echoed by Tehran’s senior diplomats.

Inside the White House, Trump convened a ↓ 45-minute Situation Room session with Vice President Mike Pence, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Defense Secretary Mark Esper, CIA Director David Cohen and Witkoff. CENTCOM commander Adm. Brad Cooper briefed the team on contingency plans, according to two officials.

Analysts note that the Iranian reply, while modest, could be the first concrete step toward reopening the Strait of Hormuz—an issue Tehran raised last weekend alongside a broader cease‑fire proposal. The nuclear talks remain on hold, slated for a later phase.

Further coverage can be found at AP News.

Analysis by Zara Blackwood (Rapid Response Intelligence Analyst).