US Navy aircraft attached to Carrier Air Wing 9 are staged on the flight deck of the USS Abraham Lincoln in support of the Operation Epic Fu...
US Navy aircraft attached to Carrier Air Wing 9 are staged on the flight deck of the USS Abraham Lincoln in support of the Operation Epic Fury attack on Iran from an undisclosed location on March 14, 2026
N. Prabhakaran
DUBAI: Analysts suggest that a formal peace treaty between Iran and the United States remains unlikely. However, reports citing White House sources indicate that U.S. President Donald Trump may declare a one-month ceasefire to demonstrate a commitment to reaching a diplomatic resolution.
While Israel maintains there is no official confirmation of such a plan, the government is reportedly preparing for the possibility. On Wednesday evening, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened a meeting with senior security officials and key cabinet ministers to discuss the matter.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that the U.S. is nearing its primary strategic objectives and is currently ahead of schedule.
"The American proposal has not been rejected by Iran. Negotiations are proceeding effectively. While there is some truth to recent reports, much of what has been published is not entirely accurate," Leavitt remarked.
She further cautioned, "The last time Iran miscalculated the situation, they suffered significant losses to their senior leadership and their air and naval forces."
The U.S. administration is currently attempting to coordinate a high-level meeting between American and Iranian officials in Islamabad, Pakistan, later this week. U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance is expected to attend. Despite these efforts, Iranian media has characterized the 15-point document submitted by the Trump administration as "unacceptable."
Simultaneously, the U.S. is deploying thousands of sailors, paratroopers, and landing ships to the Middle East. A senior official noted that the Commander of Central Command requested these reinforcements to ensure "maximum operational flexibility." Leavitt emphasized that for President Trump, "all options remain on the table."
Regional Opposition
Gulf nations are largely siding with Israel in opposing concessions to Tehran. In a recent op-ed for The Wall Street Journal, Yousef Al Otaiba, the UAE Ambassador to the U.S., argued that the conflict must reach a decisive conclusion. He insisted that any lasting solution must fully address Iran’s nuclear program, missile and drone capabilities, proxy networks, and disruptions to international shipping.
Saudi Arabia has expressed similar concerns. Reports indicate that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman told President Trump in a phone call that this is a "historic opportunity" to resolve the threat and urged that operations continue.
Iran’s Stance
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi clarified on Wednesday that no direct negotiations are currently taking place with the U.S. Speaking to Press TV, Araghchi stated that the exchange of messages through mediators does not constitute formal dialogue. He noted that Tehran has no interest in direct talks after reviewing the latest U.S. proposal, though he reiterated that Iran seeks a permanent end to the conflict rather than an escalation.
An Iranian official quoted by Press TV described the U.S. terms as "excessive," asserting that Iran will only conclude the war on its own terms and timeline. While Tehran is still reviewing the 15-point plan, a preliminary response has been sent to Washington via Pakistan. Notably, Iran has demanded that any ceasefire agreement involving the U.S. and Israel must also include Lebanon.
The 15-Point Proposal
According to Axios, the Trump administration has not yet received a formal rejection of its 15-point peace plan. Delivered via Pakistani intermediaries, the proposal reportedly includes:
The dismantling of Iran’s current nuclear infrastructure.
Guarantees to cease all nuclear weapons development.
The transfer of enriched uranium out of Iranian territory.
Resolutions regarding ballistic missile programs and maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz.
Threats of a New Front
As tensions simmer, the IRGC-affiliated Tasnim News Agency warned that Iran is prepared to take action in the Bab al-Mandab Strait. Military sources stated:
"If the enemy attempts to strike Iran via naval maneuvers in the Persian Gulf or the Sea of Oman—or targets our islands or mainland—we will open new fronts of war."
Officials added that Iran possesses both the intent and the capability to disrupt the Bab al-Mandab Strait, one of the world's most vital maritime corridors.
COMMENTS