Iran Formally Submits Response to US Peace MOU via Pakistan — Contents Undisclosed; Framework Process Continues

On May 10, 2026, Iran formally submitted its response to the U.S. one-page peace plan memorandum of understanding (MOU) via Pakistan's diplomatic back-channel, according to Iran's state-run Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) as reported by Bloomberg. The MOU framework — brokered by U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner with Pakistan's facilitation — would formally declare an end to the US-Iran war and initiate a 30-day negotiating period covering freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, lifting US sanctions, nuclear limits (including a moratorium on enrichment), and the release of Iran's frozen funds. The specific contents of Iran's May 10 response have not been publicly disclosed. Pakistan's Foreign Ministry spokesperson told NPR: 'Our hope and expectation is for an agreement sooner rather than later.' Iran's submission represents a notable diplomatic step, though significant gaps persist: Iran has previously described the US framework as 'more of an American wish list than a reality,' insisting on enrichment rights and UN Security Council-backed guarantees. The US team has reportedly deferred demands on Iran's missile program and proxy forces to later negotiating phases. Supreme Leader Khamenei's approval is required for any signed agreement. The Strait of Hormuz has been closed since March 2026; approximately 750 vessels remain trapped and US gas prices stand at $4.48/gallon — the highest level since July 2022. Any Hormuz reopening deal would reduce prices significantly. The submission of Iran's response marks the most substantive diplomatic progress in the US-Iran track since Project Freedom was paused on May 6.