New Delhi. US President Donald Trump has rejected Iran’s new proposal. On Friday, expressing doubts about the possibility of a deal with Iran, he said, “I’m not happy with the proposals sent by Tehran because the talks are dragging on.” Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said, “I’m not sure whether the US and Iran will be able to reach a deal.”
According to the report, Donald Trump said, “I’m not satisfied with Iran’s latest proposal in the ongoing talks to end the war between the two countries. They want to make a deal, but I’m not satisfied with that, so we’ll see what happens next.” However, Trump did not elaborate on what he sees as flaws in Iran’s proposal.
Iran’s state news agency, IRNA, reported that Iran submitted its latest proposal for talks to mediators in Pakistan on Thursday night. According to the report, an official said that Pakistan has sent a new proposal for talks on Iran’s behalf to the United States.
‘The leadership is fragmented…’
President Trump said phone conversations continued even after officials who were scheduled to visit Pakistan last week canceled their trip. Trump expressed disappointment with Iran’s leadership, which he described as “fragmented.” He said, “There’s a very fragmented leadership. They want to make a deal, but they’re all completely confused.”
What’s in Iran’s new proposal?
Iranian state media and a Pakistani official reported on Friday that Tehran has presented its new proposal for talks with the United States. This move could raise hopes of removing a blockade in efforts to end the Iran war.
An official involved in Pakistan’s mediation efforts said Pakistan received the proposal late Thursday night and forwarded it to the United States. Neither the official nor Iran’s state news agency, IRNA, provided further details. Following news of the proposal, global crude oil prices eased slightly. However, they remain well above $100 per barrel.
Araghchi held phone calls with several countries
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held phone calls on Friday with several of his regional counterparts, including the foreign ministers of Turkey, Egypt, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Azerbaijan. He briefed these leaders on his country’s latest initiatives to end the conflict.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas also spoke with Araghchi by phone on Friday. According to a statement issued by Kallas’ office, the two leaders discussed ongoing diplomatic efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and long-term security arrangements. Kallas has also been in contact with the EU’s Gulf allies. Pakistani officials have said efforts are underway to de-escalate tensions between Iran and the United States.
Global Impact of the Strait of Hormuz Closure
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has caused unprecedented turmoil in energy markets, disrupting 20% of the world’s oil and gas supplies and driving oil prices to record highs. The blockade has also raised concerns that an economic recession could occur. The US Navy is blocking Iranian crude oil exports.
Two senior Iranian sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Reuters that Iran has activated its air defense system and is planning a strong response if it is attacked. Iran anticipates a short and powerful attack from the US, followed by a possible Israeli attack.
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The three-week ceasefire between the US and Iran appears to be holding. However, both countries have accused each other of violating it. While fighting has largely stopped since the ceasefire, the US and Iran remain at loggerheads over the Strait of Hormuz. A fifth of the world’s oil and gas trade passes through this passage. The blockade imposed by the US Navy prevents Iranian oil tankers from navigating the sea, severely impacting Iran’s economy. Iran’s continued control of the Strait of Hormuz is also putting pressure on the global economy.
Earlier this week, Trump unveiled a new plan aimed at reopening the vital sea route used by America’s Gulf allies to export their oil and gas. Earlier this week, Donald Trump told Axios that he had rejected Iran’s offer to reopen the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for lifting the US naval blockade on Iranian ports.
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