Trump reacts to Iran peace proposal, signals scepticism over deal acceptance
Tehran seeks end to hostilities within 30 days, demands sanctions relief, troop withdrawal and regional security guarantees as Trump signals scepticism over deal acceptance
Iran has formally responded to a US-backed nine-point proposal with a detailed 14-point counter-plan, setting out its conditions for bringing ongoing hostilities to an end, according to Tasnim News Agency.
The response, sent through a Pakistani intermediary, indicates Tehran’s push to go beyond a temporary ceasefire and work toward a broader settlement of the conflict. While Washington had suggested a two-month ceasefire, Iran has rejected the idea of an extended truce and instead insists that all major issues be settled within 30 days.
At the core of Iran’s proposal are extensive demands aimed at restructuring the region’s security and economic architecture. These include assurances against future military strikes, the withdrawal of US forces from areas near Iran, and an end to what Tehran calls a naval blockade.
Iran has also sought the unfreezing of its financial assets, payment of reparations, and lifting of sanctions, which remain key sticking points in its relations with the United States.
Going beyond bilateral concerns, Tehran’s plan broadens the scope of de-escalation by calling for an end to hostilities across all theatres, including Lebanon. It also suggests creating a new framework to manage security and navigation in the strategically significant Strait of Hormuz, a crucial global energy passage.
US President Donald Trump responded quickly on Truth Social, saying he would review a fresh proposal from Iran but expressing deep scepticism, noting that Tehran “has not yet paid a big enough price” for its actions over decades.
In the post, he said he would soon examine the Iranian proposal, but added that it was hard to see it being acceptable.
However, tensions between the two sides remain high, with Iran accusing the United States of “legalising piracy” after Trump compared American naval operations against Iranian-linked vessels to piracy amid the ongoing US-Israel conflict.
In a post on X, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei described Trump’s remarks as a “direct and damning admission” of unlawful activity at sea. He urged the international community and the United Nations to reject what he called clear violations of international maritime law.