Witkoff confirms 15-point plan for Iran peace, with Pakistan intermediary

U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff said Thursday the U.S. offered Iran a list of 15 actions that can form a peace deal.

Mr. Witkoff said the list was circulated through the government of Pakistan.

“If a deal happens, it will be great for the country of Iran, for the entire region and the world at large,” Mr. Witkoff said at a Cabinet meeting.

He tried to explain the secrecy around talks, saying President Trump told him not to negotiate through the news media.

Mr. Trump joined forces with Israel to begin bombarding Iran on Feb. 28, hoping to dismantle its missile program and nuclear ambitions while diminishing its support for terror proxies in the Middle East.

This week, the president held off on attacking Iranian power plants because he was hopeful of a deal to end hostilities.

Iran has been reluctant to accept U.S. terms, at least publicly, but U.S. and Pakistani officials say the negotiations are real.

Ishaq Dar, the deputy prime minister of Pakistan, said Thursday that “U.S.-Iran indirect talks are taking place through messages being relayed by Pakistan.”

He added on social media, “In this context, the United States has shared 15 points, being deliberated upon by Iran. Brotherly countries of [Turkey] and Egypt, among others, are also extending their support to this initiative. Pakistan remains fully committed to promoting peace and continues to make every effort to ensure stability in the region and beyond.”

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said he’s hopeful for an agreement but, in the meantime, his fighters will “continue negotiating with bombs.”

“War is negotiation by other means,” he said.