US President Donald Trump has said he is “not satisfied” with a fresh proposal from Iran, as negotiations between both countries remain stalled despite a weeks-long ceasefire.
According to Iran’s state news agency, the proposal was delivered to mediator Pakistan on Thursday, although details of the offer were not disclosed.
Speaking to reporters, Trump blamed internal divisions within Iran’s leadership for the deadlock in talks. He suggested the United States faces two choices—escalating military action or pursuing diplomacy—while noting a preference for a peaceful resolution on humanitarian grounds.
The conflict, which began on February 28 following joint strikes by the United States and Israel, has been paused since April 8. However, only one unsuccessful round of direct talks has taken place between US and Iranian officials.
Despite the ceasefire holding, tensions remain high. Iran continues to control the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, restricting the global flow of oil, gas, and fertilisers. In response, the US has enforced a counter-blockade on Iranian ports.
Iranian judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei stated that while Iran is open to negotiations, it will not accept imposed conditions, even as it seeks to avoid a return to conflict.
Diplomatic Uncertainty and Economic Strain
The White House has declined to comment on the specifics of Iran’s latest proposal. Reports indicate that US envoy Steve Witkoff recently suggested amendments aimed at reintroducing Iran’s nuclear programme into discussions.
Meanwhile, global oil prices briefly dropped following news of the proposal but remain significantly higher than pre-war levels due to ongoing disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.
European diplomatic efforts are also ongoing, with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas engaging Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi in talks to reopen the vital shipping route.
Residents in Tehran describe the situation as uncertain and frustrating, with many doubting the effectiveness of the new proposal and fearing renewed hostilities.
Rising Pressure in Washington and Tehran
Back in the US, Trump faces mounting domestic pressure over the prolonged conflict, rising inflation, and the approaching midterm elections. A legal debate is also unfolding over whether he has exceeded the deadline to seek congressional approval for military action.
In Iran, economic conditions are worsening. Fresh US sanctions targeting foreign exchange firms have intensified financial strain, while inflation has surged beyond 50 percent. Reports indicate that billions of dollars in oil exports have been blocked, further deepening the crisis.
Competing Efforts to Reopen Hormuz
The US has announced plans to launch an international coalition to restore shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a move that appears to run parallel to similar efforts led by France and United Kingdom.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot described the US initiative as complementary rather than identical to Europe’s approach.
Meanwhile, the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford has departed the Middle East after participating in operations, although two other US carriers remain in the region.
Despite ongoing diplomatic and military manoeuvres, the situation remains fragile, with both sides caught between renewed conflict and a yet-to-be-achieved peace agreement.
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