Iran Has Not Yet Formally Responded to New US Ceasefire Proposal; Wide Gaps Remain

Iran said it is reviewing a new US peace proposal to end the war, even as the two sides continued to exchange fire in the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday (May 7). On Truth Social, US President Donald Trump called Iran's leaders 'deranged' and warned of tougher military action if Tehran does not quickly agree to a deal.

According to US media, Washington sent Iran a 14-point document earlier this week. It demands Tehran halt nuclear weapons development and suspend all uranium enrichment activities for at least 12 years, while also handing over approximately 440 kg of uranium already enriched to 60%. In return, the US would gradually lift sanctions, release billions of dollars in frozen Iranian assets, and remove its naval blockade on Iranian ports. Both sides would also reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 30 days of signing.

Iran has not issued an official reaction. However, lawmaker Ebrahim Rezaei, spokesman for the Iranian parliament's National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, described the document as 'more like a US wish list than reality.' Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf wrote on social media: 'The 'Trust Me, Buddy' campaign has failed.'

Tensions have escalated, with both sides accusing each other of attacks. Iran said the US targeted an Iranian oil tanker in coastal waters and another vessel near Fujairah port (UAE); US airstrikes hit civilian areas in Bandar Khamir, Sirik, and Qeshm Island. Meanwhile, the US stated that its navy was attacked by missiles, drones, and fast boats launched by Iranian forces in the Strait of Hormuz and responded by neutralizing threats and targeting Iranian military facilities.

Despite the fighting, neither side has declared the collapse of the ceasefire that came into effect on April 8. Al Jazeera correspondent Resul Serdar Atas in Tehran reported that an Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman confirmed the country is still studying the US proposal.

Since late March, the two sides have traded proposals and counter-proposals. On March 25, the US put forward a 15-point plan calling for a one-month ceasefire, but Iran rejected it and instead proposed a 10-point plan demanding an immediate end to hostilities and safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. Before the April 8 ceasefire, Iran again sent a different 10-point plan. Last week, Tehran submitted a 14-point proposal in response to a US-backed 9-point plan, focusing on ending the war outright rather than just extending a truce, with a 30-day timeline for resolving all issues.

Regarding the nuclear program, Tehran has always reserved the right to enrich uranium as a signatory of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). Iran currently has about 440 kg of uranium enriched to 60% (the 90% threshold is needed for a bomb). The US demands it be reduced to 0%, far below the 3.67% level permitted under the 2015 nuclear deal.

Analysis from Tehran suggests Iran is unlikely to make concessions. Commentator Negar Mortazavi said Tehran might become more flexible on the nuclear program after the conflict ends, but it will not hand over uranium directly to the US. Correspondent Atas quoted Iranian officials: 'At this stage, they are not negotiating the nuclear program, only focused on ending the war on all fronts. If there is a direct guarantee from the UN Security Council and sanctions are lifted, they would be ready to discuss nuclear issues in a second phase.'

Ali Vaez, director of the Iran Project at the International Crisis Group, remarked that both sides will have to make painful concessions or leave key disagreements open in order to reach a framework deal. Chris Featherstone, a political scientist at the University of York (UK), said Iran has held firm, making few concessions, which has left the Trump administration perplexed, mainly because Tehran does not trust the US to keep its commitments.