President Donald Trump has expressed skepticism over the latest peace proposal from Iran, stating that Tehran has not yet “paid a big enough price” for its past actions. The remarks come amid growing speculation about the possibility of renewed US military strikes against Iran aimed at forcing concessions, including a halt to the country's nuclear program.
Peace Deal Under Scrutiny
Trump said he is reviewing the Iranian proposal but signaled doubt about a diplomatic breakthrough. His comments followed reports from Israeli press quoting senior military officials preparing for potential US strikes on Iran, with expectations that Tehran would retaliate against Israel. A senior Israeli officer briefed reporters on Friday, stating that any peace agreement without a cessation of Iran's uranium enrichment and surrender of its highly enriched uranium stockpile would be considered a failure.
Iran's Stance
In Iran, the military-backed Fars news agency quoted a senior official warning that a return to all-out conflict was “likely,” just four weeks after a ceasefire brokered by Pakistan. Pakistani efforts to resume peace talks in Islamabad failed as both sides set preconditions the other refused to meet. Asked about renewed hostilities on Saturday, Trump said it was possible, adding, “If they misbehave, if they do something bad, but right now, we'll see.”
Contradictory Statements
While issuing threats, Trump also argued to Congress in a letter on Friday that the ceasefire meant hostilities had “terminated,” attempting to avoid the legal requirement for congressional approval of military operations within 60 days of the war's start. Hours later, he contradicted himself, telling supporters in Florida, “You know we're in a war, because I think you would agree we cannot let lunatics have a nuclear weapon.”
Strait of Hormuz Crisis
The conflict has led to parallel blockades of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage for a fifth of global oil and gas supplies, as both sides exert economic pressure. Iran presented a new 14-point proposal to the US via Pakistan on Friday, focusing on lifting blockades and managing the strait. The plan, portrayed as a comprehensive peace deal to be implemented within 30 days, includes compensation for war damage, sanctions relief, and cessation of hostilities on all fronts, including Lebanon.
Trump's Response
Trump said he had not yet seen the details but would review the full text. Shortly after, he posted on social media that he “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.” Earlier in the week, he rejected a similar Iranian proposal focused on Hormuz. His readiness to maintain a US blockade complicates a planned visit to China, Iran's largest oil customer.
Military and Political Pressures
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps intelligence wing stated via state television that “Trump must choose between an impossible operation or a bad deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran.” The US has threatened to tighten its blockade by imposing sanctions on shipping companies making payments to Tehran. Rising petrol prices and a slowing global economy pose political threats to Trump as congressional elections approach in November.
Trump has also signaled escalation with Germany over critical remarks about the Iran war. The Pentagon was reportedly surprised by Trump's announcement of troop redeployments from Germany, with 5,000 of roughly 40,000 troops to be withdrawn. Trump later said further cuts would follow. Republican chairs of the Senate and House armed services committees criticized the move, stating it risks undermining deterrence and sending the wrong signal to Russia.
