Iran responds to the U.S. plan to end the war, media reveals priorities

[Global Times Special Correspondent in the U.S. Feng Yaren, Global Times Special Correspondent Wu Ming] On May 10, in response to the latest peace proposal put forward by the United States, the U.S. received a reply from Iran. According to a report by the Islamic Republic News Agency on the 10th, Iran's response to the U.S. proposal to end the war has been sent through Pakistan, but no further details were provided.

Qatar's Prime Minister Mediates in the U.S.

According to a report from the Iranian news agency on the 10th, citing an informed source, the current stage of negotiations will focus entirely on stopping hostile actions in the region.

Previously reported by U.S. media, the White House believes it has reached an agreement with Iran on a one-page memorandum of understanding. The content includes both sides announcing the termination of regional hostilities and initiating negotiations, with core issues involving the opening of the Strait of Hormuz, limiting Iran's nuclear program, and the U.S. lifting sanctions on Iran. Before Iran's response, U.S. President Trump stated to reporters at the White House on the 8th, "If progress is not smooth, we may restart the 'Freedom Plan,' but it will be an 'enhanced version of the Freedom Plan,' which is the 'Freedom Plan' plus other measures."

As Iran provided its response, Qatar's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed had just left Miami, USA. Axios reported that although Pakistan has officially taken on the role of mediator since the outbreak of the war, Qatar has been actively working behind the scenes.

According to the U.S. State Department, Secretary of State Rubio met with Mohammed on the 9th. The two discussed the importance of U.S. support for Qatar's defense and maintaining close coordination to curb threats and promote stability and security in the Middle East. Mohammed also met with U.S. presidential envoy Whitcoff in Miami.

According to reports from CBS and other media, Mohammed held a private meeting with U.S. Vice President Vance on the 8th in Washington without aides present. He originally planned to return to Doha immediately but changed his itinerary after the talks and flew to Miami to continue mediating. During his time in Miami, he also spoke with the Saudi Foreign Minister to exchange views on the progress of mediation. An informed source stated that multiple forces, including Qatar, Pakistan, Egypt, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia, are coordinating to advance the negotiation process. Additionally, according to the Qatar News Agency, Mohammed spoke with Iranian Foreign Minister Zarif on the 10th to discuss various efforts aimed at achieving peace and promoting security and stability in the region.

Iran's Supreme Leader Issues New Directives

According to the Iranian news agency on the 10th, Iran's Supreme Leader Mujtaba met with Ali Abdollahi, the commander of the Central Headquarters of the Iranian Armed Forces, and issued new directives to strengthen combat readiness and respond decisively to enemies.

During the meeting, Abdollahi submitted a comprehensive report on the country's defense readiness to Mujtaba and stated that if the enemy commits "any strategic error, attack, or invasion," the Iranian armed forces will respond "swiftly, fiercely, and powerfully."

On the same day, Iranian Army spokesman Mohammad Akraminia stated in an interview with the Iranian news agency that Iran is prepared with "unexpected options" for any future acts of aggression and that any future confrontation could spread to areas that the enemy neither anticipated nor included in its military plans.

Akraminia also stated that this war has allowed Iran to better utilize the geopolitical significance of the Strait of Hormuz. "Countries that comply with U.S. sanctions against Iran will certainly face difficulties when crossing the strait," he said, adding that Iran has now established a new legal and security framework in the Strait of Hormuz and emphasized that vessels passing through must coordinate with Iran in accordance with international maritime law.

UK "Pre-deploys" Warships for Escort

The issue of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz has drawn attention from multiple parties. The UK Ministry of Defense announced on the 9th that the destroyer "Dragon" has been "pre-deployed" to the Middle East.

Last month, the UK and France stated that military plans to ensure the safety of the Strait of Hormuz are gradually being refined. About 40 countries have agreed to participate in this operation plan aimed at ensuring the safety of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

According to Sky News, citing the UK Ministry of Defense, this move means that the ship can immediately participate in tasks to maintain freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz when necessary, and the related tasks will be defensive in nature, aimed at restoring confidence in commercial shipping.