Tehran: Iran has formally conveyed its response to a United States proposal aimed at bringing an end to the ongoing conflict, with Pakistan continuing to act as an intermediary in indirect negotiations between the two countries, according to Iranian state media.

The latest diplomatic development comes as regional and international efforts intensify to reduce tensions after months of instability involving maritime security concerns, military escalation and disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil transit routes.

Pakistan playing key mediating role

Reports said Tehran’s response was delivered through Pakistan, which has emerged as a major channel for communication between Washington and Tehran during the ongoing crisis. Pakistani officials have previously confirmed that indirect exchanges between the two sides were taking place through messages relayed by Islamabad.

Iranian officials stated that the present negotiations are focused specifically on ending the war and restoring regional stability. According to the reports, discussions currently do not involve Tehran’s nuclear programme.

The diplomatic initiative is reportedly aimed at securing a temporary understanding that could help halt hostilities and ensure safe maritime movement through the Strait of Hormuz, where tensions have heavily affected global energy supplies in recent months.

News of Iran’s response appeared to calm market concerns over the conflict, with global oil prices falling amid hopes that diplomatic negotiations could produce progress towards de-escalation.

The war and the standoff surrounding the Strait of Hormuz have contributed to major disruptions in global oil and gas shipments, triggering volatility in international energy markets. Analysts and governments have been closely monitoring the talks because of the strategic importance of the waterway, through which a significant share of the world’s oil passes.

As part of the broader diplomatic push, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has held discussions with officials from Turkiye, Egypt, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Azerbaijan regarding the ongoing negotiations and regional stability efforts.

Diplomatic outreach by Tehran has expanded in recent weeks as multiple countries attempt to prevent further escalation in the Middle East and stabilise shipping routes and energy supplies.

Tehran earlier raised concerns over proposal

Earlier reports published on May 6 stated that Iranian authorities were still reviewing the US proposal. Some officials reportedly described parts of the proposal as “unacceptable”, while also dismissing sections of media reporting surrounding the possible agreement as speculative.

With agency inputs