U. S. President Donald Trump is dissatisfied with Iran’s recent proposal to resolve the ongoing conflict, which has lasted for two months and caused significant disruptions in energy supplies, increased inflation, and resulted in many deaths. Iran’s proposal suggests delaying discussions on its nuclear program until after the war and shipping disputes are resolved. Trump prefers to address nuclear issues from the beginning, as confirmed by an anonymous U. S. official after a meeting with the president and his advisers.
White House spokeswoman Olivia Wales stated that the U. S. has clear “red lines” when trying to end a war which began in February in collaboration with Israel. After the 2015 agreement, which limited Iran’s nuclear activities, the U. S. withdrew from the deal, leading to a collapse of negotiations. Efforts for peace have weakened as Trump canceled a planned visit by special envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner to Pakistan.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi visited Pakistan and other countries to discuss the proposal, and Iran’s Deputy Defence Minister Reza Talaei-Nik announced readiness to share defense capabilities with nations in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, which includes Iran, Russia, and China. Meanwhile, oil prices have risen nearly 3% as conflict continues to disrupt the flow of crude oil, especially through the Strait of Hormuz, where tankers are being blocked by U. S. actions against Iranian oil shipments.
Iran’s foreign ministry condemned the U. S. blockade as piracy. Nonetheless, spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani stated that Iran has prepared for scenarios of maritime blockade and has developed alternative trade routes. Previously, 125 to 140 ships passed through the strait daily, but now only a few ships have done so without carrying oil for global markets. Trump’s low approval ratings and domestic pressure to end the war complicate the situation, while Iranian officials suggest a phased approach to talks, starting with ending hostilities and lifting the blockade before addressing nuclear issues.
With information from Reuters
