Iran Delivers Formal Reply to U.S. Nuclear Proposal via Pakistani Mediators

TEHRAN (AP) — Iran’s Foreign Ministry has delivered its formal response to the latest United States proposal regarding nuclear negotiations, marking a significant development in the ongoing diplomatic efforts to resolve tensions between the two nations.

The response was transmitted through Pakistani mediators on Sunday, May 10, 2026. Iranian officials stated that the reply emphasizes the necessity of defending Iran’s national interests and securing the rights of its people. The ministry did not release the full text of the response but indicated that the document outlines Tehran’s position on key demands raised by Washington.

The diplomatic channel through Pakistan has been a primary conduit for indirect talks between Tehran and Washington since direct communications were severed years ago. The use of intermediaries allows both sides to gauge positions without the political risks associated with direct engagement.

U.S. officials have not yet publicly commented on the receipt of Iran’s formal reply. The White House has maintained that any agreement must ensure Iran does not develop nuclear weapons capabilities and must address concerns regarding its ballistic missile program and regional activities.

Iranian officials have long insisted that sanctions relief is a prerequisite for any meaningful reduction in its nuclear program. Tehran argues that previous agreements failed to deliver promised economic benefits, citing the U.S. withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal under the Trump administration as evidence of American unreliability.

The timing of the response comes amid heightened regional tensions and economic pressure on Iran. Analysts suggest that the Iranian leadership is seeking to leverage its nuclear leverage to secure maximum concessions before domestic economic conditions deteriorate further.

The next steps in the negotiations remain unclear. U.S. diplomats are expected to review the Iranian response and determine whether it provides a sufficient basis for further dialogue. If the response is deemed inadequate, the U.S. may issue a counter-proposal or seek to impose additional sanctions.

Pakistani officials have not commented on the specifics of the mediation efforts, but Islamabad has historically played a crucial role in facilitating back-channel communications between the two rivals.

The international community, including the European Union and Russia, is watching the developments closely. European powers have expressed hope that the negotiations will lead to a comprehensive agreement that restores the 2015 deal or establishes a new framework for nuclear non-proliferation.

As the diplomatic process continues, the focus remains on whether the two sides can bridge their differences and reach a mutually acceptable agreement. The outcome of these negotiations will have significant implications for regional stability and global security.

Questions remain regarding the specific terms of Iran’s response and whether it addresses the core concerns of the United States. The coming days will be critical in determining the future of the negotiations and the potential for a resolution to the long-standing dispute.