Trump rejects Iranian peace proposal over terms he cannot accept

US President Donald Trump expressed dissatisfaction with Iran’s latest peace proposal, which was sent via Pakistan. The proposal, received by the US on Thursday, includes terms that Trump cannot agree to. Trump stated that he will “blast them away” if negotiations fail, but also emphasized his desire to reach an agreement that prevents a return to war.

The ceasefire in the conflict has been in place for three weeks, with hostilities frozen since April 8. Negotiations, which began on April 11 and lasted over 21 hours, failed to produce a basic framework for further discussions. Trump prefers to reach an agreement that prevents a resumption of the conflict, but warned that it might be necessary.

The international community is eager for a deal that would end the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which carries 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Tehran is open to diplomacy if Washington alters its “threatening rhetoric” and “expansionist approach”.

Iran has repeatedly warned that it is prepared for the war to resume, threatening to strike US interests in the region and energy infrastructure. Trump imposed a naval blockade of Iranian ports on April 13 to pressure Tehran into returning to negotiations.

A Pakistani official confirmed that Iran had submitted its latest peace proposal, which was forwarded to the US. The contents of the proposal have not been disclosed. Experts note that both Iran and the US are eager to end the conflict in a way that allows them to save face.

Source: Al Jazeera