Iran sends response to US proposal to end war via mediator Pakistan

According to the proposal, initial negotiations will focus on ending hostilities.Iran’s response to a US proposal to end the war has been sent via mediator Pakistan, according to Iranian state news agency IRNA.The report said on Sunday that according to the proposed plan, the first stage of the negotiations will focus on ending hostilities, adding that Tehran’s response drew on ensuring “maritime security” in the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz.Recommended Stories list of 2 itemslist 1 of 2US-Iran ceasefire under strain as Gulf states report drone attackslist 2 of 2Iran military warns of ‘surprising’ methods of warfare if attacked againend of listWashington sent Iran a 14-point proposal earlier this week. Under its conditions, Iran would have to agree to not develop a nuclear weapon and to stop all enrichment of uranium for at least 12 years.It would also be required to hand over an estimated 440kg (970 pounds) stock of uranium, which it has enriched to 60 percent.In return, the US would gradually lift sanctions, release billions of dollars in frozen Iranian assets, and halt its naval blockade of Iranian ports.Stakes ‘very high’Al Jazeera’s Kamal Hyder in Islamabad said Pakistan had confirmed receipt of the Iranian response.“The Pakistanis are confirming that they have received the Iranian response to the US proposal,” he said. “Now Pakistan has received it, it will be important to see when it is communicated to the United States, and then to see the reaction from Washington.”Hyder added that there is a sense of urgency to get the deal accepted, as the prolonging blockade of the Strait of Hormuz is having a critical impact on the world economy, especially in Pakistan.“The stakes are very high: Pakistan is suffering economically as well. The fuel prices are sky-high,” he said.