Are negotiations between the US and Iran deadlocked? The White House insists they have talked, while Iran opens a new front in the conflict.

Since the U.S. and Israel launched military actions against Iran on February 28, the conflict has now entered its fourth week. This week, the U.S. repeatedly released messages about negotiations with Iran, but Iran has denied all such talks.

On the 25th, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre continued to insist that the U.S.-Iran negotiations “are ongoing and productive.” However, shortly before her statement, two U.S. officials revealed that the U.S. government is considering discussing a “withdrawal plan” to end its military engagement with Iran.

Additionally, a crucial maritime route affecting international bulk commodity trading—besides the Strait of Hormuz—is the Strait of Mandeb, connecting the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. On the 25th, Iran announced that this important passage might also become involved in the conflict due to U.S. actions.

Frequent U.S. Negotiation Rumors with Iran Denied

Since March 20, when U.S. officials announced that the Trump administration was “discussing potential negotiations with Iran,” the prospect of talks to end the conflict has become a focus of attention.

U.S. officials have at least five times hinted at negotiations with Iran

According to incomplete statistics, including statements from President Trump, the U.S. has repeatedly hinted at negotiations with Iran on ending the conflict, with Trump making two such statements.

On the 20th, an American official and an informed source revealed that after three weeks of U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict, the Trump administration has begun preliminary discussions on the next steps and what form “peace negotiations” with Iran might take.

On the 23rd, President Trump stated that the U.S. has engaged in dialogue with Iran and reached an outline of an agreement.

On the 24th, Trump said that the U.S. is currently negotiating with Iran, involving several senior officials. He named Special Envoy Wittekov, his son-in-law Kushner, Secretary of State Blinken, and Vice President Vance as participants.

On the same day, both U.S. and Israeli sources reported that the U.S., through Pakistan, proposed a 15-point ceasefire plan to Iran. The U.S. intends to cease hostilities for one month to negotiate these 15 points with Iran.

On the 25th, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated that U.S.-Iran negotiations “are ongoing and productive.” She emphasized that the White House would not disclose details publicly but confirmed that communication continues.

The U.S. plans to discuss a ceasefire plan in Pakistan this weekend

△On the 25th, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre held a press conference.

However, shortly before the White House’s statement, two U.S. officials provided news about the U.S. seeking an exit strategy.

According to these senior officials, the U.S. is trying to arrange a meeting in Pakistan this weekend to discuss a “withdrawal plan” to end the U.S. military involvement in Iran.

Details indicate that Vice President Vance will go to Pakistan, and other government officials may accompany him. However, the specific time, location, and participants are still uncertain. The meeting could also be held in Turkey. It is unclear whether Iran might send representatives to ceasefire negotiations.

U.S. proposes 15-point ceasefire plan

Iranian officials: U.S. “listing fantasies”

So far, Iran has denied all reports involving negotiations with the U.S.

△Iranian Foreign Minister Amir Abdollahian (file photo)

According to Iran’s Foreign Minister Amir Abdollahian’s latest statement on the 25th, over the past few days, the U.S. has conveyed proposals to Iran for ending the war through several friendly countries. Iran’s high-level officials are studying these, but Iran’s communication through these mediators does not mean negotiations with the U.S..

Regarding the so-called “one-month ceasefire and 15-point peace agreement” proposed by the U.S., Iranian Hatam Anbia Central Command spokesperson directly responded: “Don’t dress up your failures as agreements.” Haji Zolati, head of Iran’s Government Information Committee, said that the U.S. “15-point ceasefire proposal” is just the U.S. listing unrealistic fantasies.

“Ending the conflict must follow Iran’s conditions and timetable”

A senior Iranian political-security official further stated that Iran insists the war must end according to Iran’s conditions and schedule, and listed five conditions for ending the conflict. These are:

• The enemy must cease military and terrorist actions against Iran;
• Create objective conditions to ensure the war does not recur;
• Guarantee payment of damages and war reparations, and clarify responsibilities;
• The enemy must fully end military actions against the “Resistance Front”;
• Iran’s past, present, and future rights to sovereignty in the Strait of Hormuz must be recognized.

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