Lead

Iran has delivered a new 14-point peace proposal to Pakistan, but US President Donald Trump has rejected it, saying it was "not acceptable to me," according to ABC Australia's weekly updates on the Middle East war. The proposal reportedly includes demands for the US to lift the naval blockade on the Strait of Hormuz, remove sanctions, cease all hostilities including in Lebanon, and withdraw all US forces from the region, as reported by ABC Australia. The plan notably omits any mention of Iran's nuclear program or a shift in its claims to control the Strait.

Coverage comparison

ABC Australia's two reports, filed from Jerusalem, both describe a stalemate in US-Iran negotiations nearly a month after the ceasefire came into force on April 8. The first report, by Global affairs editor Laura Tingle, emphasizes the continuing "jockeying and chest thumping" between Tehran and Washington, with both sides insisting they are winning. The second, by Middle East correspondent Matthew Doran, focuses on the lack of progress despite Iran's response to the latest peace proposal, noting that the language indicates "no firm deal to stop the conflict." Both reports highlight that the US and Iran have continued to attack, capture, and intercept each other's ships in the Strait of Hormuz.

Key Claims

According to ABC Australia, the US and Iran have continued to attack, capture, and intercept each other's ships in the Strait of Hormuz. The US has claimed the Iranian regime is splintering and that economic sanctions prevent it from paying its soldiers, while Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and foreign ministry officials have demanded the US choose between an "impossible military operation" or a "bad deal," setting a 30-day deadline for the lifting of the naval blockade. Damage to US bases in the region is reportedly more extensive than previously known, with some left almost inoperable.

Relationships among Gulf countries are fracturing, with the United Arab Emirates announcing it will leave OPEC, as reported by ABC Australia. The UAE is increasingly aligning with Israel and the US. The Trump administration is seeking to fast-track $8.6 billion in arms sales to Middle East allies, including Qatar, Kuwait, and the UAE, although no specific source is named in ABC Australia's reporting.

Beyond the US-Iran conflict, ABC Australia reports that Israel is considering a renewed assault on Gaza. Israeli territorial control in Gaza has expanded to 59% of the Strip, settler violence against Palestinians in the West Bank is increasing, and Israel is preparing to annex the West Bank.

Qatar's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani warned Iran against using the Strait of Hormuz as a "pressure tool" in negotiations with the United States, saying it would worsen the situation. He also met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Miami, where they discussed US support for Qatar's defenses. Iranian state media reported that Iran's Supreme Leader met with the country's military chief.

Israel established a secret forward base in western Iraq, as reported by ABC Australia. This comes amid ongoing attacks on Gulf states and ships, including a UAE interception of two Iranian drones, Kuwait shooting down drones from Iraq, and a drone strike on a cargo ship in Qatari waters.

Perspectives

Iran: Iran's proposal demands the US lift the naval blockade and sanctions, and withdraw forces, but does not address its nuclear program or control of the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian officials insist the US must choose between an "impossible military operation" or a "bad deal."

United States: US President Trump rejected the Iranian proposal as "not acceptable to me." The US claims the Iranian regime is splintering and that sanctions are severe. The Trump administration is also seeking to fast-track arms sales to Gulf allies.

Qatar: Qatar's Prime Minister warns Iran against using the Strait of Hormuz as leverage, and discusses defense support with the US.

Israel: Israel is considering a renewed assault on Gaza, has expanded control to 59% of the strip, and is preparing to annex the West Bank.