India, May 10 -- In a diplomatic breakthrough, Iran has formally submitted its response to a US proposal aimed at de-escalating the ongoing regional conflict, signalling a potential shift toward diplomacy as the war in the Middle East threatens to paralyse global trade.

The communication was delivered through Pakistan, which has long served as a diplomatic intermediary between the two nations, marking the most significant movement in peace negotiations since hostilities intensified earlier this year.

The state-run media outlet IRNA confirmed on Sunday that the Iranian leadership has reviewed the American framework and returned a counter-proposal centred on two primary pillars; an immediate cessation of hostilities and the restoration of...