By Emmanuel Bobby
President Donald Trump said Saturday that he is preparing to review a newly submitted proposal from Iran aimed at ending the ongoing conflict, though he expressed strong skepticism about the likelihood of reaching an agreement.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump indicated that while the plan is under consideration, he doubts it will meet U.S. expectations. He argued that Iran has yet to face sufficient consequences for its actions over decades, suggesting that any deal must reflect a higher cost imposed on Tehran.
Speaking earlier to reporters at Palm Beach International Airport, Trump confirmed that his administration had been briefed on the general framework of the proposal and is awaiting its full details. He said a decision to accept or reject the offer would be made soon after a thorough review of the final terms.
Just a day earlier, the president had voiced dissatisfaction with the initial outline of the proposal. However, he signaled a willingness to examine the specifics more closely before making a final determination.
According to early information, Iran’s proposal includes reopening shipping lanes through the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz and ending the mutual blockades that have disrupted global trade flows for weeks. However, the plan reportedly postpones substantive negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program—an issue that remains central to U.S. concerns.
Iranian officials have attached conditions of their own. Ali Nikzad, deputy speaker of Iran’s parliament, stated that any progress toward reopening the Strait would require a guaranteed and complete halt to military actions against Lebanon. He framed the closure of the waterway as a measure intended to promote regional stability, particularly for the Lebanese population.
Meanwhile, violence in the region continues despite ceasefire efforts. Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon reportedly killed at least seven people on Saturday. On Sunday, the Israeli military issued evacuation warnings to residents in multiple towns and villages, alleging violations of the ceasefire agreement by Hezbollah forces. Since early March, more than 2,600 people have been killed in Lebanon, according to figures from the country’s health ministry.
Trump’s deliberations come amid a broader strategic crossroads for the United States. Military leaders have already presented him with options ranging from continued enforcement of the blockade to renewed direct strikes inside Iran. The president acknowledged the stark choice facing his administration—either escalate military action decisively or pursue a negotiated settlement—while emphasizing that diplomacy remains his preferred path, if viable.
The maritime standoff has significantly disrupted activity in the Gulf region. Iran has restricted nearly all foreign shipping for over two months, while U.S. forces have maintained their own blockade of the Strait since mid-April. Trump described the American operation as “orderly” and largely uncontested.
To sustain this effort, the U.S. Navy has deployed a substantial force, including over 100 aircraft, two carrier strike groups, and numerous warships. Enforcement actions have already taken place, including the seizure of an Iranian-flagged cargo vessel that allegedly attempted to breach the blockade.
At the same time, political pressure is building in Washington. Lawmakers have increasingly questioned the legal basis for continued military operations without explicit congressional approval. Under the War Powers Resolution of 1973, the president is required to seek authorization once military engagement extends beyond 60 days.
That threshold was reached earlier this week, yet the administration maintains that the temporary ceasefire initiated in early April exempts it from needing congressional consent.
The Senate recently voted again on a resolution aimed at halting U.S. military involvement in Iran pending formal approval from Congress. The measure failed narrowly, reflecting ongoing divisions within both parties over the scope and legality of the conflict.
As negotiations remain uncertain and violence persists in the region, the coming days are likely to be pivotal in determining whether diplomacy can prevail or if the conflict will enter a more dangerous phase.
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