Iran softens conditions for resuming peace talks with the US, WSJ reports

Iran has submitted a revised 14-point proposal to the United States aimed at restarting stalled peace talks, signaling a more flexible approach while significant differences remain, the Wall Street Journal reported.

The proposal was delivered to Washington via Pakistan and drops Tehran's earlier demand that the US lift its blockade before negotiations could begin. President Trump said he was still "not satisfied" with what Iran was offering.

What has Iran proposed to restart US peace talks?

Iran's revised proposal suggests parallel discussions on key issues including the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and US security assurances, rather than requiring Washington to act first.

Tehran has indicated willingness to engage on maritime access in exchange for guarantees that the US would halt attacks and ease pressure on Iranian ports. Discussions on Iran's nuclear file would follow, potentially linked to sanctions relief.

What are the remaining gaps between the US and Iran?

Significant differences persist, particularly over Iran's nuclear program and the sequencing of concessions. The White House declined to comment on specifics, with spokeswoman Anna Kelly saying Trump had been "clear that Iran can never possess a nuclear weapon."

Tehran has maintained it will not agree to long-term limits on uranium enrichment as part of any deal.

Iran has also signaled through intermediaries that it is open to holding talks in Pakistan as early as next week, if Washington responds positively. Iranian state media confirmed a proposal had been submitted and said Tehran remains open to diplomacy if US rhetoric softens.

A planned round of talks in Pakistan last week did not go ahead after Iran did not confirm participation.

What role is the Strait of Hormuz playing in the negotiations?

The Strait of Hormuz sits at the center of the standoff. Iran has disrupted shipping through attacks on vessels, while the US has imposed restrictions targeting Iranian ports and maritime trade. The disruptions have kept global oil prices elevated amid constrained supply flows.

The US Treasury separately warned shipping companies against making payments to Iran for safe passage through the strait, reinforcing economic pressure as negotiations remain uncertain. US officials have reportedly prepared for a prolonged pressure campaign. Iran's proposal addresses Hormuz access as the first phase of any agreement, with nuclear discussions to follow.

Who is facilitating the Iran-US negotiations?

Communication between the two sides has continued through intermediaries including Pakistan, Qatar, Egypt and Turkey, even as direct talks have stalled. Pakistan has been the primary conduit for the latest proposal.

The White House said it does not detail private diplomatic conversations but confirmed that negotiations are continuing to protect US national security interests.