Iran has submitted a new proposal for negotiations with the United States, in a move that could revive stalled diplomacy over the Iran conflict, news agency Reuters reported. The proposal was shared via Pakistan, which has been mediating between the two sides, a Pakistani official confirmed.The development comes as a fragile ceasefire — in place since April 8 — struggles to translate into meaningful de-escalation, with both military and economic tensions still running high.Proposal routed via PakistanIranian state media and a Pakistani official said the proposal was delivered late Thursday and forwarded to Washington, though no details have been disclosed, Reuters reported. The move is being seen as a potential diplomatic opening after weeks of deadlock.Hormuz crisis keeps markets on edgeThe geopolitical backdrop remains volatile. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz — through which roughly 20% of global oil and gas flows — has severely disrupted energy markets, pushing prices above $100 a barrel.Oil prices eased slightly after news of the proposal, but markets remain jittery amid uncertainty over whether the crisis will escalate further, Reuters said.US stance, war powers debateEven as tensions persist, the Trump administration has argued that hostilities have effectively ended due to the ceasefire, a position that could allow it to bypass congressional approval under the War Powers Resolution, Associated Press reported.A senior administration official said that, for the purposes of the law, “the hostilities that began on Saturday, Feb. 28 have terminated,” noting there has been no direct exchange of fire since early April, AP reported.Military threats continue despite ceasefireOn the ground, however, both sides appear to be preparing for escalation. Iran has activated air defences and is bracing for a possible “short, intensive” U.S. strike, potentially followed by Israeli action, according to Reuters.Story continues below this adA senior Iranian Revolutionary Guards official warned that any new US attack would trigger “long and painful strikes” on American regional positions. Aerospace Force Commander Majid Mousavi said, “We’ve seen what happened to your regional bases; we will see the same thing happen to your warships.”Gulf concerns, maritime coalition in focusThe crisis has raised alarm among Gulf states. UAE presidential adviser Anwar Gargash said freedom of navigation in the Strait must be ensured by international law, adding, “No unilateral Iranian arrangements can be trusted or relied upon following its treacherous aggression against all its neighbours.”Meanwhile, the US has floated plans for a maritime coalition — the “Maritime Freedom Construct” — to secure shipping lanes, though European allies have indicated participation would depend on an end to active hostilities, Reuters reported.Uncertain road aheadDespite economic strain from U.S. naval blockades and export restrictions, Iran appears capable of sustaining a prolonged standoff. Washington is weighing options, including extending the blockade, launching limited strikes, or declaring a unilateral victory, Reuters reported.Story continues below this adWith thousands killed — mainly in Iran and Lebanon — and global markets still reacting sharply to every development, Iran’s latest proposal offers a possible diplomatic off-ramp. But with both sides maintaining hardline positions, a breakthrough remains far from certain.The Express Global Desk at The Indian Express delivers authoritative, verified, and context-driven coverage of key international developments shaping global politics, policy, and migration trends. The desk focuses on stories with direct relevance for Indian and global audiences, combining breaking news with in-depth explainers and analysis. A major focus area of the desk is US immigration and visa policy, including developments related to student visas, work permits, permanent residency pathways, executive actions, and court rulings. 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