Capitals, Mar.25 (SANA) Negotiations under bombs have become the defining framework for the political process in the US-Israeli-Iranian conflict. Diplomatic contacts are proceeding under the pressure of ongoing military operations and escalating US military buildup, in parallel with the continued targeting of facilities linked to Iran’s nuclear and missile programs.
Meanwhile, indications of Turkish-Egyptian-Pakistani mediation efforts to convey messages among the parties have emerged. This coincides with Washington’s submission of a 15-point proposal to end the war and the continued US military buildup. At the same time, European and Gulf states have stressed the need to protect energy infrastructure and restore movement of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
Washington: Negotiation under military pressure
US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth confirmed that the United States is continuing negotiations “under the bombs,” indicating that military operations will continue as long as necessary and that US forces retain a free hand in carrying out strikes against targets linked to Iran’s nuclear and missile programs.
In the same context, US President Donald Trump announced that Washington is making progress in communications with Tehran, asserting that the Iranians had offered a “big gift” related to oil, gas and maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. This suggests the existence of indirect channels of communication alongside the ongoing military operations.
Media outlets revealed that Washington has sent a 15-point plan to end the war, including dismantling the Iranian nuclear program, halting support for allied groups, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and a temporary one-month ceasefire to discuss the details of the agreement. Meanwhile, the White House confirmed that military operations will continue without interruption until their objectives are achieved, despite exploring new diplomatic options.
Expanding the Scope of Military Operations
US Central Command revealed that it has carried out strikes against more than 9,000 military targets inside Iran since the start of operations, confirming that military installations, command centers, and missile and drone factories have been targeted.
In the same context, US media outlets quoted officials as saying that Washington is considering deploying 3,000 troops from the 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East, a move that could indicate preparations for further escalation scenarios. Reports also indicated the arrival of thousands of US Marines in the region, marking the largest military buildup in years.
Israel: Operations could continue for weeks more
“Israeli Defense Minister” announced that Israeli forces have dropped approximately 15,000 bombs on targets inside Iran since the start of operations, four times the number dropped during the previous twelve-day war.
In the same context, Israeli media reported that military operations could continue for another two to three weeks, even with the commencement of negotiations. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu affirmed that the strikes would continue to “achieve the war’s objectives.”
Intensive Diplomatic Efforts
Reports indicated that Pakistan delivered a US proposal for de-escalation to Tehran, while Türkiye continued to relay messages between Washington and Tehran in an effort to open a direct negotiating channel.
French President Emmanuel Macron also called on Iran to engage in good faith in negotiations, emphasizing the need to protect energy infrastructure and restore movement of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
China urged the parties to the crisis to seize the available opportunities to begin negotiations, while the Kremlin confirmed that it had not received official information regarding the 15-point US plan.
Mazen
