What we know about diplomatic efforts to end the Iran war

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DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday threatened Iran with devastating attacks unless it accepts a 15-point White House peace plan, possibly through indirect talks brokered by Pakistan.

Pakistan’s top diplomat confirmed those negotiations were ongoing as military activity — and rhetoric — continued to escalate.

Iran denies participating in any negotiations despite efforts by Egypt and other nations to assist, and has cemented its control over the vital Strait of Hormuz, using it as a pressure point for the world economy. Israel, meanwhile, says it will press ahead with more attacks.

Here is a look at what’s known about possible talks to wind down the nearly four-week-old war.

In an online post, Trump insisted Tehran was “begging” for a deal and warned of further military escalation if one is not reached.

“They better get serious soon, before it is too late, because once that happens, there is NO TURNING BACK, and it won’t be pretty!” he wrote on Truth Social.

Since launching the war alongside Israel on Feb. 28, Trump has vacillated among different stated objectives, including the toppling the Islamic Republic, eliminating its disputed nuclear program and degrading its missile capabilities.

Now he's focused on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of the world's traded oil passed before Iran effectively seized control of the waterway in response to the surprise U.S.-Israeli bombardment. Israel says it still hopes to foment an uprising against Iran's leaders.

Pakistan’s top diplomat, Ishaq Dar, said indirect talks between the United States and Iran are still ongoing, publicly acknowledging Pakistan’s role for the first time.

Pakistan, which borders Iran, is keen to restore regional stability and stem the war's impact on energy prices. By stepping in as mediator, it positions itself as a useful U.S. partner. It has also joined Trump’s Board of Peace, an initiative that grew out of the Gaza ceasefire. Press TV, the English-language broadcaster on Iranian state television, said Iran has its own five-point proposal, which includes reparations and recognition of its sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz.

As diplomats seek de-escalation, the United States is preparing to send additional troops and Marines to the Middle East. Iran has meanwhile effectively set up a toll-like system in the Strait of Hormuz.

According to Lloyd’s List Intelligence, ships seeking to pass through the strait are being asked to submit detailed information and, in some cases, pay fees.

The shipping intelligence company said Iran’s Revolutionary Guard had set up the system, carrying out “geopolitical vetting” of ships and cargo.

Iran’s leadership appears to have remained relatively cohesive despite weeks of heavy bombardment and the killing of its supreme leader and many top-ranking military figures.

But it's unclear who is actually in charge. The new supreme leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, has not been seen or directly heard from since he was named to replace his slain father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Anyone entering talks with Trump would need the backing of Iran's powerful paramilitary Revolutionary Guard.

Trump this week extended his ultimatum to Iran by five days after threatening to strike the country’s power plants unless it eased its grip on the Strait of Hormuz, prompting Iranian threats against Gulf infrastructure.

He said there is a strong chance for a deal this week, easing global markets, even as thousands of U.S. Marines head to the region.

The deployment has fueled speculation about possible U.S. operations. Trump says he has no plans to send ground forces into Iran but has not ruled it out.

Israel, notably, is not involved in the push for negotiations.

While acknowledging Trump’s diplomatic efforts, it says it will continue to strike its enemies.

An end to the war in Iran would not necessarily mean an end to Israel’s military campaign in Lebanon. It has seized the opportunity to attack Hezbollah after the group fired rockets in support of Iran.

Nuclear negotiations were already taking place when the U.S. and Israel launched their surprise attack on Feb. 28.

That only deepened Iranian mistrust of the U.S. in negotiations, especially after Trump in 2018 pulled out of a landmark nuclear deal reached three years earlier.

Iran and the U.S. also held talks in early 2025. When a two-month deadline set by Trump expired, Israel launched a surprise attack, and the U.S. joined in a 12-day war, striking Iranian nuclear facilities and military positions.

Trump says any deal to end the war would require the U.S. to remove Iran’s enriched uranium, which is critical to its nuclear program. Iran has refused that demand in the past, insisting it has the right to enrich uranium for peaceful purposes.