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A Pakistani official stands during the arrival of U.S. Vice President JD Vance for discussions with Iranian officials in Islamabad, Pakistan, Saturday, April 11, 2026. — Reuters
- Tehran states it does not want to return to war, according to the judiciary chief.
- Mohseni Ejei affirms, “We definitely do not accept imposition.”
- President Trump faces mounting domestic pressure regarding the Iran conflict.
Iran has submitted a fresh proposal for peace negotiations with the U.S. through mediator Pakistan, according to state media on Friday. Negotiations between the two nations remain stalled despite a ceasefire that has lasted several weeks.
The proposal was delivered to Islamabad on Thursday evening, the IRNA news agency reported.
The conflict, initiated by surprise strikes from the United States and Israel on February 28, has been paused since April 8. However, only one direct dialogue session has taken place between Iranian and U.S. representatives so far.
Meanwhile, Iran continues to control the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting vast quantities of oil, gas, and fertilizer from entering the global economy. The U.S. has responded with a counterblockade on Iranian ports.
The Wall Street Journal reported Thursday that President Donald Trump instructed security officials to prepare for the blockade to last for months, leading to a spike in oil prices.
Despite the failed negotiations to end the war, the ceasefire remains intact. On Friday, judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, a prominent and respected cleric, stated, “The Islamic Republic has never backed away from negotiations.”
However, he also added, “We certainly do not accept imposition,” in a video shared by the judiciary’s Mizan Online website, highlighting the ongoing challenges in reaching an agreement.
Tehran, he emphasized, is not eager to revert to war.
“We do not want war in any form; we do not desire its continuation.”
Market responses remain tense, with oil prices over 50% higher than prewar levels amid concerns over prolonged Hormuz closure, and the European Central Bank maintaining its interest rates due to inflation fears.
Debate Over War Authority
In Washington, a legal debate is underway about whether President Trump missed a deadline to seek congressional approval for the Iran conflict.
Officials, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, argue that the ceasefire has paused the 60-day window for the president to request war powers from Congress.
“Ahead of the War Powers Resolution, hostilities that commenced on Saturday, February 28, are considered ended,” an senior official told AFP late Thursday.
Trump faces increasing pressure at home, with no clear victory in sight, rising inflation due to the conflict, and midterm elections approaching in November.
Recent U.S. government data showed slower-than-expected economic growth and inflation reaching 3.5%.
In Iran, the economic toll is becoming more evident. The U.S. military announced Thursday that its blockade has prevented Iran from exporting $6 billion worth of oil, while inflation, which was already over 45% before the war, has increased to 53.7% recently, according to national statistics.
“Many are struggling to pay rent or buy food; some have nothing left,” said Mahyar, a 28-year-old who told AFP that his company had laid off 34 employees—almost 40% of its workforce.
Hormuz Mission Efforts
President Trump has criticized Washington’s allies for not joining efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
While France and Britain are leading efforts to assemble an international coalition to reopen the strait, they have insisted this will only happen once peace is secured.
On Thursday, a U.S. official confirmed to AFP that Washington is launching its own international coalition called the “Maritime Freedom Construct” to restart shipping through Hormuz.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot clarified that the U.S. and French missions are meant to complement each other, not compete.
“The U.S. initiative is different from ours; it’s intended to be a complementary effort,” Barrot said during his visit to the Gulf.
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