Efforts to broker an end to the Iran war, now in its third month, continue as U.S. President Donald Trump suggests the Islamic Republic's latest peace proposal may not satisfy him. Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Trump said he had been briefed on the 'concept of the deal' but later expressed skepticism about its acceptability.
Details of the Iranian Proposal
According to Axios, Iran's suggestions include setting a one-month deadline for talks to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and end both the U.S. naval blockade and the fighting in Iran and Lebanon. If such a pact is reached, another month of discussions would begin to address Iran's nuclear program. Iran's semi-official Tasnim News Agency reported the proposal calls for a complete end to the conflict within 30 days, along with guarantees against renewed strikes. It reiterates Tehran's earlier demands, including U.S. forces withdrawal, lifting the maritime blockade, sanctions removal, and reparations. The nuclear issue was not mentioned.
Trump's Response
Trump, in a post on Truth Social, stated: 'I will soon be reviewing the plan that Iran has just sent to us, but can't imagine that it would be acceptable in that they have not yet paid a big enough price for what they have done to Humanity, and the World, over the last 47 years.' He also said he would not rule out restarting strikes on Iranian targets if its rulers 'misbehave.'
The U.S. president has voiced frustration at the lack of progress in talks to end the conflict that began with U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran on Feb. 28. Thousands have been killed across the Middle East, mainly in Iran and Lebanon.
Diplomatic Efforts
On Sunday, Iran confirmed receiving the U.S. response to its 14-point plan via Pakistan, which has been acting as an intermediary. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said Iran is reviewing the response without offering details. Iran's foreign ministry also reported that top envoy Abbas Araghchi briefed his Omani counterpart on the latest efforts, with no further details provided.
Energy Market Impact
Energy prices have soared due to the blockage of the Strait of Hormuz, through which about one-fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas normally flows. This has stirred concerns in the White House that Republicans could suffer a major defeat in November's Midterm elections as Americans cope with high gasoline prices. Major OPEC+ nations agreed on a modest increase in June production quotas, adding 188,000 barrels per day under the pact.
