Tehran sends response to US proposal through Pakistan, demands permanent end to conflict

Rashmi Pandey — Sun, 10 May 2026 17:46:38 +0000

A fragile ceasefire in West Asia came under renewed strain on Sunday after reports of drone-related security incidents near Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait heightened fears of another regional escalation involving Iran, the United States and allied Gulf nations.

The latest tensions emerged as Iran confirmed it remains on “full readiness” to defend its nuclear facilities and strategic infrastructure against any potential military strikes. Iranian officials also warned of retaliation against attacks targeting Iranian ships, ports or nuclear sites, even as diplomatic efforts to stabilise the region continue.

The developments come shortly after Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif confirmed that Iran had sent its official response to a United States ceasefire proposal aimed at ending the ongoing regional conflict. According to Pakistani officials, Tehran conveyed its position through diplomatic channels while insisting on a permanent end to hostilities “across all fronts.”

While the exact contents of Iran’s response have not been publicly released, regional media reports indicated that Tehran demanded guarantees against future military operations and stronger commitments related to regional security and sanctions.

The ceasefire proposal follows weeks of heightened military tensions across the Gulf region, including US naval operations, Israeli military strikes and repeated threats surrounding Iran’s nuclear programme and the Strait of Hormuz — one of the world’s most strategically important oil shipping routes.

Iranian military officials stated on Sunday that the country’s armed forces remain fully prepared to respond to any attack on critical infrastructure. Iranian state-linked media also warned that any aggression targeting Iranian energy facilities or maritime assets could trigger a broader regional response.

Meanwhile, Gulf countries have increased security monitoring following reports of drone activity near strategic areas connected to shipping routes and energy infrastructure around Qatar, the UAE and Kuwait. Authorities in the region have not yet confirmed the origin of the reported drone incidents, but security agencies are continuing investigations.

The United States has continued diplomatic outreach while maintaining a strong military presence in the Gulf. Earlier, US President Donald Trump claimed Washington had achieved “70 percent” of its military objectives against Iran but signalled that negotiations remained possible if Tehran agreed to broader conditions related to security and nuclear activity.

International observers have warned that the current ceasefire remains extremely fragile, with concerns growing that even limited military incidents could destabilise ongoing negotiations. Global energy markets are also closely monitoring developments around the Strait of Hormuz, through which a major share of international oil supplies passes daily.

Iran has repeatedly stated that its nuclear programme is intended for peaceful purposes, while Western powers and regional rivals continue raising concerns over Tehran’s uranium enrichment activities and missile capabilities.

Diplomatic contacts involving Pakistan, Gulf states and international mediators are expected to continue in the coming days as efforts intensify to prevent another round of military confrontation in the region.

GulfTensions | Business Upturn

Tehran sends response to US proposal through Pakistan, demands permanent end to conflict