Trump rejects Iran’s new offer, signals talks still uncertain

Washington/Islamabad-(Web Desk/Mudassar Iqbal)- U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday expressed dissatisfaction with Iran’s latest proposal aimed at ending the two-month conflict involving the United States and Israel, saying the offer falls short of expectations.

Speaking at the White House, Trump noted that while Tehran appears willing to negotiate, the terms being requested are unacceptable. “They want a deal, but they are asking for things I cannot agree to,” he told reporters, adding that Iran’s push for negotiations reflects its weakened military position.

Earlier, officials in Islamabad involved in mediation efforts confirmed that Tehran had submitted a revised proposal, which was conveyed to U.S. authorities, according to Reuters.

Despite acknowledging some progress in talks, Trump cast doubt over the likelihood of a breakthrough, citing internal divisions within Iran’s leadership. He described the decision-making structure in Tehran as fragmented, with multiple factions struggling to reach consensus, which he said was complicating efforts to finalize an agreement.

Iran new proposal for US talks via Pakistan mediator amid ongoing tensions

Tehran has submitted its latest proposal for negotiations with the United States, in a move that could help break a deadlock in efforts to end the war. Global oil prices, which remain above $100 a barrel, eased following news of the proposal.

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has caused major disruption to energy markets, choking off around 20% of the world’s oil and gas supplies and driving a sharp rise in prices.

The blockade has also heightened fears of an economic downturn. The US Navy is blocking exports of Iranian crude oil, while the US Treasury warned shippers they risk sanctions if they pay tolls to Iran to pass through the strait.

A ceasefire has been in place since April 8, though reports that Trump could be briefed on new military strike options had earlier pushed oil prices to a four-year high.

Iran has activated air defences and is planning a broad response in case of further attacks, according to senior Iranian sources, who said Tehran expects any US strike to be short but intense, possibly followed by Israeli action.

Following US and Israeli airstrikes on February 28, Iran targeted U.S. bases, infrastructure and US-linked companies in Gulf states. The Iran-backed Lebanese group Hezbollah also launched missiles at Israel, prompting retaliatory strikes on Lebanon.

Trump faces a formal US deadline on Friday to end the war or seek congressional approval to extend it under the 1973 War Powers Resolution. However, a senior administration official said hostilities were considered to have ended due to the April ceasefire.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei cautioned against expecting quick results from talks, while a senior Revolutionary Guards official warned that any new US attack would trigger “long and painful strikes” on American positions in the region.

Trump reiterated that Iran would not be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon and said fuel prices would “drop like a rock” once the war ends.

Iran maintains that its nuclear programme is for civilian purposes.