May 1, 2026 Iran proposes new plan via Pakistan as US weighs military options Iran has submitted a new negotiation proposal to Pakistani mediators, according to the Iranian state news agency Irna, as the US government confirms it can continue military operations against Iran without congressional approval for weeks.
US Military Options and Congressional Approval
Defense Minister Pete Hegseth stated that the US government retains the authority to wage war against Iran for an extended period without requiring congressional consent. This comes as President Trump declared, "the fighting in Iran is over," though he has expressed dissatisfaction with Tehran's latest diplomatic overtures.
The White House has signaled it will not seek congressional approval for further military engagement in Iran, a move that could prolong unilateral executive action. Simultaneously, the US is reportedly considering withdrawing troops from Germany, though no timeline or final decision has been announced.
Diplomatic Moves and Regional Tensions
Iran's new proposal, delivered through Pakistani intermediaries, marks its latest attempt to de-escalate tensions with Washington. The details of the plan remain undisclosed, but its submission follows Trump's criticism of previous Iranian offers. The state news agency Irna confirmed the diplomatic effort without elaborating on its contents.