US Proposes Ceasefire While Ramping Up Troop Deployments; Iran Tells Mediators: Suspecting Peace Talks Are Just a Smokescreen

The Iran-U.S. conflict has entered a highly tense stage of both diplomatic and military escalation. While the U.S. is mediating by submitting a 15-point ceasefire plan to Iran and actively promoting face-to-face negotiations, American forces are accelerating troop deployments to the Middle East, with some reinforcements expected to arrive just as Trump’s “final deadline” for Iran approaches. Iran, on the other hand, has clearly conveyed to mediators that the U.S. peace gestures are merely a “smokescreen.”

According to media reports citing a source directly involved in the discussions, Iranian officials have explicitly told mediators from Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey that the continued U.S. troop buildup and Trump’s deployment decisions cast serious doubt on Washington’s sincerity in negotiations. Iran states, “We do not want to be fooled again,” and notes that in previous rounds of contact, Trump claimed to seek an agreement while approving attacks.

CCTV News reports that on the 25th local time, the spokesperson for Iran’s Hatam Anbia Central Command directly addressed the U.S.: “The Americans are negotiating with themselves; don’t call your failures an agreement.” The spokesperson also warned that U.S. involvement in the region “will yield no news,” and oil and gas prices will struggle to return to previous levels. This statement further pressures expectations for the security of the Strait of Hormuz—ensuring its open passage is a clear requirement of the 15-point plan.

15-Point Plan: Comprehensive Restrictions on Nuclear Weapons and Ballistic Missiles

According to CCTV News, the U.S. delivered this plan to Iran via mediators on Monday morning, several hours before Trump’s public negotiations updates. Israeli sources report that the U.S. proposed a one-month ceasefire first, allowing both sides to negotiate within this framework.

The plan calls for comprehensive restrictions on nuclear issues: requiring Iran to dismantle existing nuclear capabilities, pledge not to develop nuclear weapons, ban uranium enrichment on its territory, transfer about 60% of its high-enriched uranium stockpile, dismantle nuclear facilities at Natanz, Isfahan, and Fordow, and allow the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to conduct full inspections.

Beyond nuclear issues, the plan also demands Iran cease support for regional armed allies, prohibit funding, command, and weapons support; limit the size and range of ballistic missiles to defensive purposes; and ensure the Strait of Hormuz remains open. In exchange, Iran could receive a comprehensive lifting of international sanctions, U.S. support for civilian nuclear projects, and the removal of the “snapback” mechanism.

Marine and Airborne Dual Deployment

Alongside diplomatic efforts, the U.S. is rapidly deploying forces to the Middle East.

According to Xinhua News Agency, the Pentagon has dispatched about 2,000 soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East, including the division commander, dozens of staff officers, and two infantry battalions, each with approximately 800 troops. Defense officials say the specific deployment locations are currently unclear, with additional units possibly being sent in the coming days.

The 82nd Airborne Division maintains a rapid response force capable of deploying worldwide within approximately 18 hours, and part of this force has been mobilized. Meanwhile, a Marine expeditionary unit and two amphibious ships are expected to arrive in the Middle East by the 27th, closely aligning with Trump’s previously set final deadline.

Reports indicate that the Pentagon has not yet adjusted any military orders issued to CENTCOM due to diplomatic contacts. U.S. and Israeli officials both state that Trump is simultaneously developing diplomatic and military options to adapt flexibly as the situation evolves.

Mediation Parties Show Active Stance, Iran Remains Deeply Suspicious

Regarding mediation, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif posted on social media that, with the consent of both the U.S. and Iran, Pakistan is willing to serve as a host to facilitate substantive talks. Trump subsequently retweeted this message, which is seen as an implicit endorsement of Pakistan’s mediating role.

However, Iran remains highly suspicious. Iranian officials have explicitly told mediators from Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey that the continued troop buildup and Trump’s deployment decisions cast doubt on Washington’s sincerity. Iran states, “We do not want to be fooled again,” and notes that in previous rounds, Trump claimed to seek an agreement while approving attacks.

Iran refers to being “duped twice,” including last June when Israel, supported by Trump, launched an attack on Iran—timed just days before the scheduled nuclear negotiations.

Iranian Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani denied any negotiations with the U.S. on social media on the 23rd, directly contradicting Trump’s statement that talks had taken place and an agreement outline had been reached. According to U.S. disclosures on the 24th, Iran also refused to accept Trump’s special envoy Witkoff and his son-in-law Kushner as negotiators, calling their approach “disloyal,” and reports suggest Iran prefers to engage with Vice President Vance instead.

U.S. officials note that Iran’s primary demands are to stop bombings and ensure a ceasefire, while the U.S. hopes to see whether Iran is willing to make concessions on core issues that previously hindered negotiations. The significant gap in core interests remains the biggest obstacle to progress.

Amid conflicting signals, former CIA Director John Brennan expressed greater trust in Iran’s statements than in the U.S. president’s. “Clearly, he (Trump) is now scrambling to get out of the mess he created.”