“OWN TERMS AND TIMELINE”: Iran Issues Formal Response to U.S. Peace Proposal
TEHRAN / ISLAMABAD — In a highly anticipated move on Thursday evening, March 26, 2026, Iran has officially responded to the United States’ 15-point peace proposal. According to reports from Press TV and Reuters, Tehran delivered its response through Pakistani and regional intermediaries, shifting from an initial outright rejection to a formal “counter-offer” that sets five non-negotiable conditions for ending the 27-day war.
While the U.S. proposal (Operation Epic Fury’s “Exit Ramp”) demanded total nuclear disarmament and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, Iran’s reply signals a defiant “resistance” stance, insisting that the war will only end on Tehran’s own timeline.
The “5-Point Counter-Proposal” from Tehran
A senior Iranian political-security official told state media that while they are “deliberating” on Washington’s message, any ceasefire is contingent on the following demands:
- Halt to All “Assassinations”: A complete and immediate end to the “decapitation strikes” targeting Iranian leadership and IRGC commanders (following the reported death of Admiral Tangsiri).
- Guaranteed Non-Recurrence: Concrete, internationally-backed mechanisms to ensure that the U.S. or Israel cannot “reimpose” war on Iran in the future.
- War Reparations: “Guaranteed and clearly defined” payment of damages for the destruction of Iranian infrastructure since February 28.
- Regional Inclusion: The war must end on all fronts, including a cessation of hostilities against all “resistance groups” (Hezbollah, Houthis, and militias in Iraq/Syria).
- Sovereignty Over Hormuz: Formal international recognition of Iran’s “sovereign right” to exercise authority and tax traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.
“No Direct Negotiations”
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi clarified on state television that the exchange of messages does not constitute formal “talks” with the Trump administration.
“The exchange of messages through mediators does not mean negotiations with the U.S. They put forward ideas that were conveyed to top authorities. At present, our policy is the continuation of resistance.” — Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi
Araghchi characterized the U.S. push for a deal as an “admission of defeat” and stated that “the end of the war will occur when Iran decides it should end, not when Trump envisions its conclusion.”
The “Islamabad Channel” Confirmation
Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar officially confirmed today that Islamabad is the primary conduit for these “indirect talks.”
- The 15 Points: Dar confirmed that Pakistan relayed the U.S. 15-point plan to Tehran and is currently awaiting the “top-level” Iranian reaction to the U.S. rebuttal of their counter-points.
- Crucial Week: Sources in Islamabad describe this week as the “most critical window” for a breakthrough, noting that a U.S. delegation is on standby to travel to Pakistan if the “wait-and-see” period results in a preliminary agreement.
The “Sunrise” Conflict
The timing of Iran’s response is critical. With the Friday morning sunrise deadline (March 27) less than 12 hours away, the Pentagon has finalized plans for a “Final Blow” (including the seizure of Kharg Island).
| Position | The U.S. Demand | Iran’s Counter-Offer |
| Nuclear | Total dismantling & removal of HEU. | No mention of nuclear concessions in 5-point reply. |
| Hormuz | Immediate, unconditional reopening. | Demand for “sovereign authority” and taxing rights. |
| Proxies | End all support for Hezbollah/Houthis. | Demand for total regional ceasefire for all groups. |
What’s Next?
The White House has not yet officially commented on the “5-point” counter-proposal, but Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt warned earlier today that “President Trump does not bluff.” If the U.S. views Iran’s response as a stalling tactic, the transition to the “Total Infrastructure Phase”—targeting Iran’s power grid and water supply—will likely begin at dawn.