The Middle East is on high alert, with Iran – according to Reuters – officially responding to Donald Trump’s 15-point plan to achieve an agreement that would end hostilities. Earlier, in a social media post, Donald Trump warned that Iranian officials “better get serious soon, before it’s too late, because when that happens, THERE IS NO GOING BACK and it won’t be pretty at all!”
Middle East: Iran’s stance on the American plan
Iran has publicly rejected Trump’s plan and insists that hostilities will only end on its own terms, although some Iranian officials have privately hinted that they are open to negotiations.
Pakistan’s Foreign Minister confirmed on Thursday that his country is facilitating behind-the-scenes contacts between the United States and Iran, including conveying the American 15-point proposal aimed at ending the war, which is now in its fourth week. However, Pakistani officials avoided speculating on the outcome of the efforts for talks.
Amid this climate of conflicting messages about potential diplomatic progress, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly ordered the Israeli military to strike as much of Iran’s military industry as possible within the week. The order reflects Israel’s concern that Trump may end the war before achieving its key objectives, the same sources reported.
