Iran says US has responded to its latest peace proposal

Iran says US has responded to its – Iranian state-linked media have reported that the United States has provided a reply to Tehran’s most recent peace initiative. The response, reportedly delivered through Pakistan, is currently under review by Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson, according to Tasnim news agency. However, the U.S. government has not yet officially confirmed that it has received the proposal. This comes as President Donald Trump expressed his dissatisfaction with the plan, stating it was not acceptable to him.

Details of the Iranian Peace Plan

The 14-point peace plan submitted by Iran demands several key actions from Washington. It includes the withdrawal of U.S. military forces from areas near Iran’s borders, the cessation of the naval blockade on Iranian ports, and a call for all hostilities to stop, encompassing Israel’s military operations in Lebanon. The proposal also stipulates that a bilateral agreement between the two nations should be finalized within 30 days. Iranian state media highlighted that the plan prioritizes ending the war over prolonging the current ceasefire.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baghaei, was quoted by state media as noting that “at this stage, we do not have nuclear negotiations” — a critical requirement for the U.S. government. Despite Tehran’s repeated assertions that its nuclear program is solely for peaceful purposes, the country remains the sole non-nuclear-armed state to have enriched uranium to near weapons-grade levels. This fact has been a point of contention in international discussions about Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

Trump’s Stance on the Proposal

“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.”

President Trump’s remarks, posted on his social media platform, underscore his skepticism toward the Iranian offer. The U.S. leader criticized the proposal, arguing that Iran’s actions over decades warranted a more substantial price. On the same day, during a press briefing in Palm Beach, Florida, he mentioned that the exact wording of the plan would be provided shortly, indicating his intention to scrutinize its terms closely.

While the peace proposal aims to reduce tensions, Trump’s broader approach to the conflict remains firm. He stated that “we’re not leaving” the situation and that the U.S. would continue its efforts until the conflict is resolved, with no guarantee of a complete withdrawal. This sentiment suggests a willingness to sustain pressure on Iran, even if a temporary ceasefire is in place.

Strait of Hormuz and the Naval Blockade

The ongoing dispute has extended to the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil shipments. Since the war began in February, Iran has imposed strict limits on maritime traffic through the strait, raising concerns about its impact on international trade. Meanwhile, the U.S. has maintained a naval blockade on Iranian ports, a measure that Trump claimed did not signify a continuation of hostilities.

On Sunday, Trump announced that the U.S. would assist ships stranded in the strait under a new initiative called “Project Freedom.” The plan, he said, would begin the following day and involve guiding vessels safely out of restricted waters. If any interference occurs, Trump vowed to respond with “forceful” action. This move reflects the U.S. strategy to protect commercial interests while maintaining pressure on Iran.

Constitutional Requirements and Deadline

Under U.S. law, a president must secure congressional approval for military action within 60 days of notifying lawmakers. This legal framework came into focus on Friday, as the 60th day elapsed since Trump formally informed Congress of the strikes against Iran on 2 March. The deadline, he argued, had been reached, and the conflict had effectively “terminated” since the ceasefire began on 8 April.

Trump’s claim that the war had been suspended by the April ceasefire led to some confusion among observers. While the naval blockade and other actions remained in place, he insisted that these measures were not part of the ongoing conflict. This interpretation aligns with his view that Iran’s actions over the years justify continued engagement without immediate legislative backing.

Political Implications and Congressional Frustration

Trump’s latest statements occur amid growing frustration among U.S. lawmakers, including members of his own Republican Party. Many critics argue that the war in the region has become increasingly complex and costly, with unclear objectives. Missouri Senator Josh Hawley, for instance, called on the administration to begin withdrawing forces from the conflict and emphasized the need for congressional approval to sustain military operations.

Although Trump has not explicitly endorsed a complete withdrawal, his remarks hint at a preference for maintaining strategic presence rather than fully committing to a peace process. This stance has sparked debates about the balance between diplomatic engagement and military intervention. As the situation evolves, the U.S. and Iran will likely continue their negotiations, with the outcome hinging on both sides’ willingness to compromise.