Tehran has submitted a new proposal for negotiations with the United States through Pakistani mediators, the Islamic Republic News Agency reported on Friday, in a move that could revive stalled diplomatic efforts.

The report did not disclose details of the proposal. However, global oil prices, which had surged amid escalating tensions, fell following the announcement.

Energy markets have been volatile in recent days, driven by concerns over disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil and gas shipments. Fears of supply constraints have intensified amid heightened military and political tensions in the region.

It remains unclear whether the Iranian proposal has been formally delivered to Washington.

A ceasefire has reportedly been in place since April 8. Nonetheless, reports that Donald Trump was to be briefed on potential military options aimed at pressuring Iran to negotiate had earlier pushed oil prices to a four-year high on Thursday.

According to sources cited by Reuters, Iran has activated its air defense systems and is preparing for a potential escalation. Officials reportedly anticipate the possibility of a limited but intense U.S. strike, which could be followed by further action involving regional allies.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has emerged as the dominant force in the country’s wartime leadership, reducing the role traditionally held by the supreme leader following the reported death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Reuters reported Wednesday.

According to officials, analysts and sources familiar with internal deliberations, Iran is no longer operating under a single undisputed authority at the top of its political system, marking a major shift from the model that has defined the Islamic Republic since 1979.

Sources told Reuters that Mojtaba Khamenei, who was elevated after his father’s death, now serves more as a figure who endorses decisions rather than directing policy himself.

Real influence is said to rest with the IRGC, the Supreme National Security Council, and senior figures in the supreme leader’s office.

Reuters reported that wartime pressures have concentrated authority within a smaller hardline circle, with commanders shaping military strategy, diplomacy and domestic security policy.

Iran’s diplomatic engagement with Washington has reportedly been led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, while parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, a former Guards commander, has become an important link between political and military elites. On security matters, IRGC commander Ahmad Vahidi has been identified by sources as a key power broker.

Analysts told Reuters the shift reflects a broader transfer of power from clerical institutions to the security establishment. They said policy choices now appear centered on preserving leverage in the conflict, particularly over the Strait of Hormuz, while resisting Western pressure on nuclear and regional issues.

Despite ongoing military and economic pressure from the United States and Israel, Reuters reported there were no visible signs of major internal divisions or political collapse, suggesting the Guards and security services now firmly steer Iran’s wartime strategy.

Iran through Pakistani ​mediators gave the ‌U.S. a new proposal ​on ​reopening of the Strait ⁠of ​Hormuz and the ​ending of the war, with ​nuclear negotiations ​postponed for a ‌later ⁠stage, Axios reported on Sunday, citing ​a ​U.S. ⁠official and two ​sources with ​knowledge ⁠of the matter.

Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump said on Sunday Iran could telephone if it wants to negotiate an end to their two-month war and stressed it ​can never have a nuclear weapon, after Tehran said the U.S. should remove obstacles to a deal, including its blockade of Iran’s ports, Reuters reported.

Hopes of reviving peace efforts receded on ‌Saturday when Trump scrapped a visit to Islamabad by his envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi shuttled to and from mediators Pakistan and Oman on Sunday before heading to Russia, where he is due to meet President Vladimir Putin.

Oil prices rose, the dollar inched higher and U.S. stock futures wobbled lower in early Asia trade on Monday after the peace talks stalled, leaving Gulf shipping blocked.

“If they want to talk, they can come to us, or they can call us. You know, there is a telephone. We have nice, secure lines,” Trump told “The Sunday Briefing” on Fox News.

“They know what has to be in the agreement. It’s very simple: They cannot have a nuclear weapon, otherwise there’s no reason to meet,” Trump said.