Iran said it is reviewing a new US proposal as Pakistan helps relay diplomatic messages between Tehran and Washington, keeping indirect talks active despite major unresolved disputes.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, that Tehran had received Washington’s latest position and was examining the points raised by the American side. The comments came as diplomatic communication continued through back channels rather than direct public negotiations.

Pakistan’s Role in Iran-US Backchannel Talks

Baqaei said the visit of Pakistan’s interior minister to Tehran was connected to efforts to facilitate the exchange of messages between Iran and the United States.

Pakistan’s role is significant because it gives both sides a channel to communicate while avoiding direct talks. Islamabad has increasingly appeared as a mediator in the sensitive diplomatic process, helping relay positions between the two governments as negotiations remain fragile.

Iran Restates Demands on Frozen Assets and Port Access

While confirming that Tehran is studying the US proposal, Baqaei repeated Iran’s key demands. Those include the release of Iranian assets frozen abroad and an end to what Tehran describes as a US blockade on Iranian ports.

The position suggests Iran is willing to review Washington’s latest points but is not yet moving away from its core demands. The issues remain central to any broader understanding between the two sides.

Why the Talks Matter for US Readers

For US readers, the development matters because Iran-US diplomacy can affect regional stability, energy markets and Washington’s wider Middle East strategy. Pakistan’s involvement shows that indirect diplomacy remains active, but the talks still face serious obstacles over financial access, sanctions-related pressure and port restrictions.

The latest exchange does not signal a breakthrough, but it shows both sides are still using diplomatic channels while trying to manage a high-stakes dispute.