Trump signals headway in Iran war talks as U.S. advances 15-point settlement plan
Jerusalem — U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that Washington was making progress toward ending the ongoing war with Iran, as the United States proposed a 15-point settlement plan and prepared to deploy thousands of additional troops to the Middle East amid continuing hostilities.
Trump told reporters at the White House that U.S. officials were engaged with “the right people” in Iran and suggested Tehran was eager to reach an agreement.
A source familiar with the matter confirmed that Washington had transmitted a multi-point proposal aimed at halting the conflict, now in its fourth week following U.S. and Israeli strikes launched on February 28.Iranian authorities denied that direct negotiations were underway.
Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf dismissed reports of talks as “fake news,” underscoring persistent gaps between public positions and diplomatic signals.
According to media reports cited by regional outlets, the U.S. proposal includes provisions for dismantling Iran’s nuclear program, ending support for proxy groups, and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. A month-long ceasefire has also been discussed to facilitate negotiations, though no official confirmation of those terms has been issued by Washington.
Trump said Iran had made a “valuable concession” linked to non-nuclear energy and maritime transit through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint through which roughly 20% of global oil supply typically flows. He did not provide details.
Iran informed the United Nations Security Council and the International Maritime Organization that non-hostile vessels could transit the strait if coordinated with Iranian authorities, according to a note seen by Reuters. The waterway has effectively been shut since the outbreak of hostilities, triggering a sharp global energy supply disruption.
Despite diplomatic signals, military activity has continued on all sides. Two sources said the United States is preparing to deploy thousands of troops from the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East, adding to approximately 50,000 U.S. personnel already stationed in the region.
The deployment would accelerate a broader military buildup, heightening concerns among analysts and regional actors that the conflict could become prolonged even as negotiations proceed.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said his government was willing to host talks between Washington and Tehran, expressing support for dialogue aimed at achieving a comprehensive settlement.
A Pakistani government source said discussions about a potential meeting were at an advanced stage, though no agreement had been finalized.Pakistan maintains longstanding ties with Iran and has recently strengthened engagement with the United States, positioning itself as a potential intermediary.
The latest developments come a day after Trump delayed threatened strikes on Iranian power infrastructure, citing “productive” discussions, while Oman, which has acted as a mediator, previously indicated that progress had been made in earlier negotiations before the outbreak of conflict.
