Diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the Gulf conflict have intensified as Iran submitted its formal response to the latest US proposal through Pakistani intermediaries. However, President Trump has expressed dissatisfaction with the response, labeling it “TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE” on his Truth Social platform, creating uncertainty around the future of negotiations.
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) May 10, 2026
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif revealed that Field Marshal Asim Munir confirmed the receipt of Iran’s response, highlighting Pakistan’s crucial role in mediating the complex situation. Reuters cited a Pakistani government official stating that Islamabad promptly relayed Iran’s response to the US after receiving it. Iranian state media confirmed that Tehran’s reply was handed over to Pakistani intermediaries following internal consultations and a final review by Iranian leadership.
According to Iranian officials, Tehran proposed that the initial phase of negotiations should prioritize ending hostilities across the region, particularly in Lebanon, and ensuring safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. More contentious issues, such as sanctions relief and the nuclear issue, could be addressed in subsequent stages. An Iranian source described the response as “positive,” expressing hope that it would pave the way for the resumption of dialogue in the coming days, emphasizing that the response enjoys broad political consensus within Iran.
Distrust of the US remains a significant factor. Iran’s envoy to Beijing emphasized on X that any potential agreement must be guaranteed by China and Russia, in addition to validation by the United Nations Security Council. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that negotiation “does not mean surrender or retreat,” reinforcing Iran’s commitment to defending its national interests.
Iran’s envoy to Beijing Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli
Any potential agreement must certainly be backed by the guarantees of major powers and also be brought before UNSC. pic.twitter.com/u56J31i9cI
— Press TV 🔻 (@PressTV) May 10, 2026
These diplomatic exchanges occurred shortly after Major General Ali Abdullahi, commander of Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, briefed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei on the preparedness of the country’s armed forces. Gen Abdullahi asserted that Iranian forces are fully prepared to confront “American-Zionist enemies” and warned against any “strategic error or aggression” by the United States or Israel. Ayatollah Khamenei praised the armed forces and ordered new measures to forcefully confront adversaries.
Amidst these diplomatic maneuvers, tensions persist, and a fragile ceasefire has been repeatedly tested, particularly in the Gulf waters and on the Lebanon front.
Diplomatic Contacts Intensify
Over the weekend, US officials engaged in consultations with Qatari leaders. Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani spoke with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, discussing the evolving regional situation and ongoing peace efforts. PM Shehbaz expressed appreciation for Qatar’s continued support for Pakistan’s peace initiatives.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif received a telephone call, earlier today, from His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Jassim Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar.
During their warm and cordial conversation, the two… pic.twitter.com/BeABvGMDQv
— Prime Minister’s Office (@PakPMO) May 10, 2026
Qatar has increased its role as a mediator, complementing the Pakistan-led ‘quartet’ comprising Pakistan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Turkiye. Qatar, alongside Oman, has historically served as a preferred interlocutor for Tehran in the Persian Gulf. Tehran’s decision to allow the passage of a Qatari LNG tanker through the Strait of Hormuz, destined for Pakistan, carries a symbolic message of goodwill, reinforcing Qatar’s bridging role and highlighting the interconnected nature of the current diplomatic efforts.
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