Donald Trump has cast doubt on a new Iranian peace proposal, arguing that Tehran has not yet “paid a big enough price” as tensions persist despite a fragile ceasefire and surging global oil prices.
Speaking on Saturday before boarding Air Force One, Trump said he would review the proposal but signaled skepticism about its chances. “I’ll let you know about it later,” he told reporters, adding that he was awaiting the exact wording. In a subsequent social media post, he dismissed the initiative more bluntly, saying it was unlikely to be acceptable given Iran’s actions “over the last 47 years.”
According to Iranian outlets Tasnim News Agency and Fars News Agency, Tehran has submitted a 14-point plan to Washington via Pakistan. The proposal reportedly includes demands such as the withdrawal of US forces from areas surrounding Iran, the lifting of sanctions, the release of frozen Iranian assets, compensation payments, and an end to military operations across multiple fronts, including Lebanon.
At the center of the standoff is the strategic Strait of Hormuz, where Iran has tightened control since the conflict began. The move has disrupted key global flows of oil, gas, and fertilizers, contributing to a sharp increase in energy prices. Oil is now trading roughly 50% above prewar levels, amplifying the economic stakes of the confrontation.
Washington has responded with a naval blockade targeting Iranian ports while warning shipping companies against making any payments to Tehran in exchange for safe passage through the strait. US authorities said such payments, whether in cash, digital assets, or indirect forms such as charitable contributions, could trigger sanctions.
Despite a ceasefire in place since April 8, diplomatic progress remains limited. A previous round of talks in Pakistan failed to produce a breakthrough, and both sides appear to be positioning for either renewed negotiations or escalation.
Kazem Gharibabadi said Tehran is ready for either path. “The ball is in the United States’ court to choose the path of diplomacy or the continuation of a confrontational approach,” he told diplomats, adding that Iran is “prepared for both.”
For Washington, any agreement remains contingent on curbing Iran’s nuclear ambitions. The US has repeatedly stated it will not end the war without guarantees that Tehran cannot obtain a nuclear weapon—an objective cited by Trump when launching strikes earlier this year. Iran, for its part, continues to insist that its nuclear program is peaceful.
Trump also left open the possibility of further military action. “If they misbehave… it’s a possibility,” he said, underscoring the fragile balance between diplomacy and escalation as both sides weigh their next move.
