The Pentagon ordered on Tuesday the deployment of at least 2,000 U.S. Army paratroopers to the Middle East, amid the start of negotiations between Washington and Tehran aimed at halting the Iran war. According to officials cited by various U.S. media, the paratroopers who received the order come from the 82nd Airborne Division, which has the capability to move to any point in the world within an 18-hour period. The United States reportedly transferred a 15-point proposal to Iran on Tuesday in an attempt to end the war in the Middle East, according to The New York Times, citing officials familiar with the diplomatic efforts. According to the newspaper, the initiative is part of the efforts of President Donald Trump's administration to find a way out of the conflict, although it is not yet clear to what extent Tehran has considered the document or if it has the support of Israel. What role does Pakistan play in mediating between the U.S. and Iran? Anonymous sources cited by The New York Times indicated that the plan was channeled through Pakistan and includes general guidelines related to Iran's nuclear program and the development of ballistic missiles, in a context marked by weeks of attacks between the United States, Israel, and Iran. The publication adds that the proposal also contemplates the security of energy routes, particularly the Strait of Hormuz, whose instability has affected maritime transit and generated tensions in international oil and gas markets. According to the NYT, the head of the Pakistani Army, Syed Asim Munir, plays a key role as a channel of communication between the parties, while other countries in the region promote diplomatic contacts, although there are as yet no clear signs of an immediate de-escalation. Trump announced on Monday, March 23, that he would postpone for five days the attacks on Iranian electrical plants with which he had threatened, conditioning the measure on Iran unblocking the Strait of Hormuz, and after assuring that he has held 'productive' conversations with Tehran. Representatives of the Islamic Republic, however, deny that direct contacts have taken place and have stated that it is Washington that has sought to contact Tehran.
