What are the US and Iran's proposals for peace?

Trump says he is talking to "the right people" in Iran, but Tehran says no such negotiations are being held.

The White House minimized reports suggesting Iran rejected a 15-point peace proposal by former President Trump to end the ongoing war. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized that negotiations with Iran remain 'productive' and denied that discussions had reached a dead end, which could otherwise signal a risk of heightened conflict. Iranian state media, however, reported that Tehran found the U.S. terms excessive and insisted any resolution would be based on Iran’s own terms and timeline. Though Press TV outlined five Iranian conditions for a ceasefire, it remains unclear whether Iran’s stance is definitive or strategic posturing. A U.S. official stated that no formal rejection had yet been received. Leavitt also suggested the U.S. was nearing its main objectives and claimed mounting military pressure was pushing Iran to seek a way out. The situation is still developing.

As of March 24, 2026, President Donald Trump announced a temporary pause in military action against Iran, delaying his ultimatum for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Trump cited progress in 'very strong talks' with an unnamed but 'respected' Iranian leader. However, Iranian officials, including Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, denied these claims, calling them misinformation intended to manipulate financial and oil markets. The conflicting statements contributed to market volatility, with oil prices initially dropping but rebounding after Iran’s response. Uncertainty remains about the identity of the Iranian counterpart Trump referenced. Some sources, including The New York Times and Reuters, suggest Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi or possibly Qalibaf were in communication with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, though European officials dispute that any direct talks occurred. Politico reports the White House is considering Qalibaf as a potential negotiating partner or leader. Despite Trump’s pause on one military option, U.S. and Israeli operations against Iran continue, and a deployment of 5,000 U.S. Marines is underway. Diplomatic efforts via Middle Eastern intermediaries have raised hopes for an agreement, with plans for potential meetings in Pakistan or Turkey involving U.S. officials and Iranian representatives.

Irán ha rechazado la propuesta de 15 puntos presentada por el expresidente estadounidense Donald Trump para poner fin al conflicto en curso, calificándola de 'excesiva' y 'alejada de la realidad del campo de batalla'. A pesar de ello, Teherán ha dejado abierta la posibilidad de seguir los contactos diplomáticos. La propuesta estadounidense exige el fin del programa nuclear iraní, del desarrollo de misiles y del apoyo a grupos islamistas, además de la reapertura del estratégico estrecho de Ormuz. A cambio, EE. UU. promete levantar sanciones económicas. Irán ve la propuesta como engañosa y acusa a Washington de usar negociaciones para encubrir acciones militares, como sucedió en anteriores ofensivas y en el asesinato de líderes iraníes, incluido el líder supremo Ali Jameneí. Teherán exige un cese de hostilidades por parte de EE. UU. e Israel, reparaciones y el reconocimiento de su soberanía sobre Ormuz. Mientras aumenta la tensión, EE. UU. despliega refuerzos militares en la región, lo que Irán interpreta como una amenaza. Israel considera improbable un acuerdo y continúa sus ofensivas. El ministro egipcio de Exteriores ha ofrecido su país para albergar futuras negociaciones que se consideran una posible última oportunidad para frenar una escalada bélica aún mayor.