Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei confirmed on 4 May that the United States has formally responded to Iran's 14-point proposed plan to end the ongoing regional war, adding that Tehran is currently reviewing Washington's reply. The announcement marks a significant, if cautious, step in diplomatic efforts that have so far failed to produce a binding agreement.

What Iran's Plan Covers

Baghaei, speaking in an interview with state-run IRIB TV, stressed that Iran's 14-point plan is exclusively focused on ending the war and contains no provisions related to the country's nuclear programme. "At present, we are focused on the parameters related to ending the war in the region, including Lebanon," he said, adding: "We have no nuclear negotiation at this stage."

The explicit exclusion of nuclear issues is notable, as Washington has consistently pushed for Iran's nuclear activities to be part of any broader diplomatic framework. Iran has repeatedly denied seeking a nuclear weapon, maintaining its programme is for peaceful purposes — though it remains the only non-nuclear-armed state to have enriched uranium at near weapons-grade levels.

Background: How the Conflict Escalated

The current conflict traces back to 28 February, when Israel and the United States launched joint strikes on Tehran and other Iranian cities, killing Iran's then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, senior military commanders, and civilians. Iran responded with successive waves of missile and drone attacks targeting Israeli territory and US interests across the region.

A ceasefire took effect on 8 April, but subsequent talks between Iranian and US delegations held in Islamabad failed to produce a deal, leaving the diplomatic process at an impasse.

Iran's Parallel Diplomatic Outreach

Also on Sunday, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi held separate phone calls with Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi and German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, briefing both on Iran's latest diplomatic initiatives to end the war, according to statements released by the Iranian Foreign Ministry and reported by Xinhua news agency.

Oman has historically served as a backchannel between Tehran and Washington, making Araghchi's outreach to Muscat particularly significant. Germany's involvement signals that European powers are also seeking to remain engaged in any potential resolution.

What Comes Next

With Washington's response now under review in Tehran, the next round of talks — if any — will likely test whether the two sides can agree on a framework that separates the war's end from the nuclear dispute. Analysts note that Iran's insistence on keeping the two tracks distinct directly contradicts Washington's stated preference for a comprehensive deal. How both sides navigate that gap will determine whether the ceasefire holds or the region faces renewed escalation.