War reparations, withdrawal of US forces from region in peace proposal: Iran

Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi outlined Tehran’s latest peace proposal to the U.S., calling for an end to hostilities across all fronts, including Lebanon, and the withdrawal of U.S. forces from areas near Iran. The proposal also demands reparations for damages caused by the U.S.-Israeli conflict, the lifting of sanctions, the release of frozen Iranian funds, and an end to the U.S. marine blockade, according to state media IRNA. The terms closely mirror Iran’s previous offer, which U.S. President Donald Trump dismissed last week as ‘garbage.’ Trump announced on Monday he had paused planned military strikes on Iran after receiving the new proposal, stating there was now a ‘very good chance’ of reaching a deal to limit Iran’s nuclear program. He cited pressure from regional allies Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, who urged him to delay attacks, claiming a deal was imminent. Pakistan, which has mediated indirect talks since hosting the only face-to-face negotiations last month, confirmed sharing Iran’s proposal with Washington. A Pakistani source warned that both sides were ‘changing their goalposts,’ adding that time was running short for a resolution. Meanwhile, a senior Iranian official suggested the U.S. had shown flexibility, including a potential partial release of frozen Iranian funds—though Iran seeks full repayment—and allowing limited nuclear activities under IAEA supervision. The U.S. has not confirmed any concessions. A U.S. official denied reports that Washington had agreed to Iran’s demands, while Trump reiterated that the U.S. goal was preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. He expressed optimism about avoiding military action, stating, ‘If we can do that without bombing the hell out of them, I would be very happy.’ The Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil route, remains a focal point in negotiations, with Trump previously warning of heavy strikes if no deal was reached.