US President Donald Trump on Friday said he was “not satisfied” with Iran’s latest proposal aimed at ending the ongoing conflict between the two countries.
Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump stated, “They want to make a deal, I’m not satisfied with it, so we’ll see what happens,” without going into details about what he believed was lacking in the proposal.
He did not elaborate further on the shortcomings of Iran’s offer.
The US president also said that discussions were continuing over the phone after he cancelled his envoys’ planned trip to Pakistan last week. He added that he was frustrated with Iran’s leadership, which he described as divided and ineffective, saying, “It’s a very disjointed leadership. They all want to make a deal, but they’re all messed up.”
Trump also expressed respect for Pakistan, its leadership including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, saying that Pakistan was “continuing to work with us” in the negotiation process.
Meanwhile, Iranian state media reported that Tehran had submitted a revised proposal for talks with the United States through Pakistan, which is acting as a mediator. According to IRNA, Iran delivered its latest negotiation text to Pakistan on Thursday evening as part of ongoing diplomatic efforts with Washington.
The White House, when asked about the development, declined to comment on private diplomatic exchanges. Spokesperson Anna Kelly said the administration does not disclose details of such conversations, reiterating that President Trump’s position remains that Iran must never acquire a nuclear weapon, while negotiations continue to protect US national security.
At the same time, tensions remain high in the region. A senior United Arab Emirates official warned that Iran could not be trusted regarding any unilateral arrangements in the Strait of Hormuz, highlighting growing mistrust as efforts to end the conflict remain stalled.
The ongoing conflict, now in its second month, has seen major disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, which remains largely affected due to an Iranian blockade. Reports say the US Navy has been blocking Iranian crude exports, with the disruption impacting nearly 20% of global oil and gas flows and contributing to rising energy prices and fears of an economic slowdown.
A ceasefire has reportedly been in place since April 8, although uncertainty persists as diplomatic efforts struggle to progress. Earlier strikes and retaliatory actions included US and Israeli air raids on February 28, followed by Iranian missile responses targeting US bases, infrastructure, and US-linked entities in Gulf states. Hezbollah also reportedly launched attacks on Israel, which responded with strikes in Lebanon.
Further escalation concerns have been raised amid reports that President Trump was to be briefed on possible new military strike plans. These reportedly include options involving limited ground operations to reopen the Strait of Hormuz for commercial shipping. The US has not officially confirmed any operational decisions.
Energy markets have reacted strongly to the situation, with Brent crude futures rising above $111 per barrel and briefly touching $126, the highest level in years, reflecting fears of prolonged instability in the region.
Iranian officials, however, have warned against expectations of a quick diplomatic breakthrough. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said talks should not be expected to produce immediate results.
Senior figures in Iran’s Revolutionary Guards also warned of a strong response to any renewed US military action, while Aerospace Force Commander Majid Mousavi cautioned that US regional bases and naval assets could face retaliation if conflict escalates.
US President Trump, meanwhile, reiterated that Iran would not be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon and claimed that fuel prices in the United States would “drop like a rock” once the conflict ends. He also described Iran’s economy as being in a “disaster” state, though analysts suggested Tehran could sustain a prolonged standoff despite pressure from sanctions and blockades.
On diplomatic channels, Axios reported that US military leadership had prepared briefing options for Trump involving a possible “short and powerful” strike campaign targeting Iranian military infrastructure, leadership, and strategic assets if hostilities resume.
In response, Iran’s Foreign Ministry accused Washington of misrepresenting the nature of the conflict. Baghaei, in a social media post, rejected US claims of self-defence, questioning the justification for military action and calling it outright aggression rather than defensive operations.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also claimed that the US was underestimating the economic cost of the war, stating that the conflict had already cost Washington far more than officially acknowledged, while warning of rising domestic financial burdens.
Meanwhile, France announced plans for a “defensive” maritime mission in the Strait of Hormuz aimed at ensuring safe navigation once conditions permit. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said the initiative would be strictly defensive, focused on escort operations and mine clearance, and coordinated with regional partners. France also confirmed it would not join a US-led coalition initiative, instead pursuing its own framework.
Separately, US Central Command (CENTCOM) commander Admiral Brad Cooper reportedly briefed President Trump on potential military escalation options described as a “final blow” strategy against Iran. These options reportedly include targeted strikes on remaining military infrastructure, leadership networks, and strategic facilities, depending on presidential approval.
The situation continues to remain highly volatile, with diplomatic efforts ongoing but no clear breakthrough in sight.