The White House has previously rejected an earlier Iranian draft, which reportedly postponed discussions on Tehran’s nuclear ambitions and called for focusing on the Strait of Hormuz issue.

US officials, meanwhile, are said to continue favouring an extension of maritime pressure through the blockade as the most effective way to bring Iran back to negotiations.

Trump to be briefed by military commanders

US President Donald Trump is expected to receive a briefing today (Thursday) on possible military options against Iran, according to Axios.

The report said that the US Central Command, led by General Brad Cooper, has prepared plans for a “short and powerful” wave of strikes targeting Iranian infrastructure.

The White House has not confirmed the meeting.

Other options expected to be discussed during the meeting include a possible operation to seize parts of the Strait of Hormuz to reopen it to commercial shipping.

Another option under consideration is special forces operation to secure Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium.

The briefing comes as Washington continues to press Tehran over its contested nuclear programme.

US administration officials hope increased pressure will push Iran towards concessions at the negotiating table.

Meanwhile, Pakistan, which has been acting as a behind-the-scenes intermediary, seeks to prevent further escalation while messages continue to pass between the two sides on a possible deal, according to a Pakistani source cited by Reuters.