Iranian media reports that Tehran has conveyed its response to a US proposal aimed at ending the conflict, utilizing Pakistan as a mediator. This development comes as Qatar’s Prime Minister has cautioned Iran against using the Strait of Hormuz as a “pressure card,” stating that such a move would only exacerbate the ongoing crisis.
Abbas Aslani, a senior research fellow at the Center for Middle East Strategic Studies, indicated that Iran’s response to the US proposal is not a simple “yes or no,” but rather a detailed explanation and clarification of Tehran’s perspectives on the American text. Aslani noted that the nuclear issue remains the most contentious point between the two nations, despite Iran demonstrating greater flexibility. He told Al Jazeera, “I think Tehran has been open to transparency and inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency. If they can reach a kind of peace agreement at the initial stage, that could create a positive atmosphere and a trust-building measure somehow. But if the US wants to continue its demands, like Iran exporting its highly enriched uranium to the US or suspending enrichment for a long time, I think this could make any agreement impossible.”
Separately, a near-total nationwide internet blackout imposed by Iranian authorities has entered its 72nd day, now in its 11th week and exceeding the 1,700-hour mark, as reported by the monitoring group NetBlocks.
Iran asserts it has been attacked twice in less than a year amidst ongoing negotiations. Consequently, Tehran’s current focus is on ending the conflict and securing a comprehensive agreement with guarantees from regional nations and the UN Security Council, ensuring the war does not recur. Only then, officials indicate, will discussions shift to the new realities concerning the Strait of Hormuz. Iran’s armed forces are reportedly tightening their control over the strategic waterway, establishing a new mechanism for safe passage. Concurrently, Iran maintains its full sovereignty and rights to control the strait.
Reiterating earlier reports, Iran has conveyed its response to the latest US proposal via Pakistan. The Iranian state news agency IRNA stated that Tehran’s response primarily addresses “ending the war and maritime security” in the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran’s Oil Terminals Company has denied reports of an oil leak near Kharg Island, according to state media. This denial follows satellite imagery from last week that appeared to show a large slick west of the country’s main oil export hub in the Gulf. The company’s chief executive asserted that inspections revealed no evidence of leaks from storage tanks, pipelines, loading facilities, or tankers operating near the island. He further noted that the Marine Emergency Mutual Aid Centre (MEMAC), a regional marine pollution monitoring body, also reported no signs of leakage in the vicinity. The official confirmed that Iranian teams conducted additional field inspections and laboratory testing after the reports surfaced, identifying “not even the smallest trace” of leakage.
Pakistani officials have confirmed receipt of the Iranian response. This development occurs just one week before President Trump’s scheduled visit to China, a major importer of Iranian oil with significant strategic interests in the region. American officials have suggested the matter could be resolved via phone, leaving uncertainty about further rounds of talks. The stakes are considerably high, with Pakistan facing significant economic hardship, including soaring fuel prices that are impacting consumer goods. Pakistan maintains strong relations with Iran and holds a favorable standing with the Trump administration. Consequently, the possibility of a breakthrough remains. The coming days will be crucial, contingent on the US’s response to Iran’s proposal.
In a separate incident, South Korea’s Foreign Ministry reported that the stern of a bulk carrier operated by South Korean shipper HMM was struck by two unidentified objects on May 4 while stranded in the Strait of Hormuz. Reuters previously reported that a week prior, Seoul had reported a blast and fire aboard the same vessel, the HMM Namu, while it was anchored near the UAE, with no injuries reported. At the time, President Trump attributed the incident to an Iranian attack, a claim Iran denies.
Tasnim news agency reported that a Panama-flagged bulk carrier en route to Brazil successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz using a route designated by Iran’s armed forces. The vessel, identified as the Mdl Toofan, reportedly departed from Saudi Arabia’s Ras Al-Khair port and is destined for Rio Grande. The report further indicated that the ship had previously attempted passage on May 4 but was turned back by Iranian forces. This marks the second vessel since Saturday to utilize the Iran-designated route.
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