Iran submits response to US peace proposal; first Qatari LNG tanker transits Strait of Hormuz

Iran on Sunday sent its response to a US proposal to end the war via mediator Pakistan, state news agency IRNA reported, saying the initial phase of negotiations would focus on ending hostilities. The same day, the QatarEnergy-operated LNG carrier Al Kharaitiyat became the first Qatari vessel to transit the Strait of Hormuz since the war began on Feb. 28, heading for Pakistan's Port Qasim, according to data from shipping analytics firm Kpler. The passage was approved by Iran to build confidence with Qatar and Pakistan, both mediators in the conflict, sources said.

The US proposal is a one-page 14-point memorandum of understanding, according to reports. It reportedly includes a suspension of Iranian uranium enrichment for at least 12 years and reopening the Strait of Hormuz within 30 days. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on May 8 accused Washington of opting for a "reckless military adventure" every time a diplomatic solution is on the table. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on May 10: "We will never bow our heads before the enemy." In a post on X, Pezeshkian added: "If talk of dialogue or negotiation arises, it does not mean surrender or retreat. Rather, the goal is to uphold the rights of the Iranian nation and to defend national interests with resolute strength."

Despite the diplomatic moves, the ceasefire between the US and Iran that took effect on April 8, brokered by Pakistan, showed signs of strain. A drone struck a cargo vessel northeast of Mesaieed Port in Qatari waters on May 10, causing a small fire but no casualties, Qatar's defence ministry said. Kuwait's military detected and dealt with "a number of hostile drones" in its airspace on May 10, without attributing responsibility. The UAE defence ministry said its air defences intercepted two drones coming from Iran on May 10.

Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani told Iran's foreign minister that using the Strait of Hormuz as a "pressure tool" would deepen the crisis, the Qatari foreign ministry said. The war began with US and Israeli strikes against Iran on Feb. 28, triggering Tehran's closure of the strait and retaliation against US allies in the Gulf.