Trump threatens US strikes on Iran for ‘misbehavior’
US President Donald Trump stated on Saturday that he had been informed about the idea of a deal with Iran, but was awaiting the precise wording. He also cautioned that there remained the possibility of resuming strikes on the country if Tehran does not comply. A senior Iranian official stated on Saturday that an Iranian proposal, which has been rejected by Trump, would facilitate shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and terminate the US blockade of Iran, while deferring discussions on Iran’s nuclear program to a later date. When asked about Iran’s proposal before boarding a flight to Miami at West Palm Beach, Florida, Trump replied: “They told me about the concept of the deal. They’re going to provide me with the precise wording now.” He stated on his social media channel that he could not envision the proposals being acceptable and that Iran had not incurred a significant enough cost for its actions. When questioned about the possibility of resuming strikes on Iran, Trump responded: “I don’t want to say that. I mean, I can’t tell that to a reporter. If they misbehave, if they do something bad, right now we’ll see. But it’s a possibility that could happen.”
Trump has stated multiple times that Iran must never possess a nuclear weapon, and on Friday, he expressed dissatisfaction with the most recent proposal from Iran. In contrast, Iran’s foreign minister indicated that Tehran is open to diplomacy, contingent upon a shift in the US’s approach. It is reported over the past week that Tehran was proposing to reopen the strait before nuclear issues were resolved. The official confirmed that a formal proposal outlining this new timeline had been conveyed to the United States through mediators. On Friday, Trump stated that “on a human basis,” he did not favor a military course of action. He informed congressional leaders that he did not require their permission to prolong the war beyond the legally established deadline for that day, as the ceasefire had “terminated” hostilities. Despite his repeated assertions of being in no rush, Trump faces domestic pressure to address Iran’s influence over the strait, which has restricted 20% of the global oil and gas supply and contributed to rising gasoline prices in the US. Trump’s Republican Party is confronted with the potential for a voter backlash regarding rising prices as the nation approaches the midterm congressional elections in November. Iranian media reported that Tehran’s 14-point proposal encompassed the withdrawal of US forces from regions adjacent to Iran, the lifting of the blockade, the release of Iran’s frozen assets, compensation payments, the removal of sanctions, and the cessation of hostilities on all fronts, including Lebanon, in addition to a new control mechanism for the strait.
The United States and Israel halted their bombing campaign against Iran four weeks ago, yet they seem no nearer to reaching a resolution to conclude a conflict that has led to unprecedented disruptions in global energy supplies, unsettled international markets, and heightened concerns regarding the potential for a broader global economic downturn. For over two months, Iran has been obstructing nearly all shipping from the Gulf, allowing only its own vessels to pass. In the previous month, the United States enacted a blockade on vessels originating from Iranian ports. Washington has consistently stated that it will not conclude the war, which has resulted in the deaths of thousands, without an agreement that stops Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon, the main objective Trump referenced when he initiated strikes in February during nuclear negotiations. Iran asserts that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes.
A senior Iranian official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss confidential diplomacy, stated that Tehran views its recent proposal to postpone nuclear talks as a notable shift intended to promote an agreement. According to the proposal, the conflict would conclude with assurances that neither Israel nor the United States would initiate further attacks. Iran would open the strait, and the United States would lift its blockade. Future discussions would subsequently focus on limitations to Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for the removal of sanctions, with Iran insisting that Washington acknowledge its right to enrich uranium for peaceful purposes, even if it consents to halt its nuclear program. “Under this framework, negotiations over the more complicated nuclear issue have been moved to the final stage to create a more conducive atmosphere,” the official said.
