'Still on a war footing': Tehran shares new proposal on ending Iran war • FRANCE 24 English

Key Concepts

• Diplomatic De-escalation: Ongoing efforts to negotiate an end to hostilities between Tehran and Washington.
• Strait of Hormuz: A critical maritime chokepoint and a central bargaining chip in the negotiations.
• Staged Negotiations: A proposed framework where concessions are exchanged in phases rather than a single comprehensive agreement.
• War Footing: A state of military readiness where both nations prepare for the potential resumption of active conflict.

Current Diplomatic Status

Tehran and Washington are currently engaged in a renewed diplomatic push to end the ongoing conflict during a ceasefire period. Despite these efforts, there is little evidence of progress. President Donald Trump has expressed skepticism regarding the success of these talks, while Iranian officials have stated they are prepared for any outcome, including full-scale war.

Recent Diplomatic Developments

• Proposal Submission: Late Thursday, Tehran submitted a new proposal to Washington.
• Regional Outreach: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi conducted six separate telephone consultations with regional counterparts, specifically involving Qatar, Egypt, Turkey, and Iraq, to discuss the situation.
• US Response: President Trump acknowledged receipt of the proposal but expressed dissatisfaction, noting that Tehran’s demands are currently unacceptable to the US administration. While not a formal rejection, the response indicates a significant gap between the two parties.

Evolution of Negotiation Frameworks

The current proposal follows a previously rejected attempt mediated by Pakistan.

• Previous Proposal: Iran suggested a two-stage process: the US would end hostilities in exchange for Iran lifting restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz. Washington rejected this, likely because the management of the Strait remains a high-priority security concern for the US.
• Current Proposal: Tehran has shifted its position, offering to discuss the "overall management" of the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for an end to hostilities. Crucially, Iran is attempting to "table" or delay discussions regarding its nuclear and missile programs to focus exclusively on the immediate cessation of the war.

Escalation and Military Readiness

The diplomatic efforts are occurring against a backdrop of heightened military tension:

• Military Briefings: US officials are actively briefing President Trump on military options should diplomacy fail.
• Local Indicators: In Tehran, air defense systems were activated recently due to the presence of unidentified drones, signaling a high state of alert.
• Strategic Posture: Iran maintains a "war footing," with officials explicitly stating they are prepared for the resumption of conflict.

Synthesis and Conclusion

The diplomatic situation remains precarious. The core conflict centers on the trade-off between the cessation of hostilities and the management of the Strait of Hormuz. While Iran is attempting to compartmentalize the conflict by isolating it from its nuclear and missile programs, the US remains dissatisfied with the terms. With both sides preparing for the possibility of renewed fighting—evidenced by military briefings in Washington and defensive maneuvers in Tehran—the coming days are critical in determining whether the ceasefire will hold or collapse into further military engagement.