Trump Questions Iran's 14-Point Peace Proposal Amidst War Concerns

Key Takeaways

• Trump doubts Iran’s 14-point plan, citing insufficient historical accountability.
• The proposal demands permanent war cessation and removal of all sanctions.
• Tehran seeks security guarantees and withdrawal of US forces from surrounding areas.
• Trump maintains military options while describing Iran's leadership as disjointed.

President Donald Trump on Saturday addressed the international community regarding a fresh diplomatic initiative from Iran, expressing strong doubts over its acceptability. He argued that Tehran has not yet paid a significant enough price for its actions over the last 47 years.

In a post on Truth Social, the US President stated he would soon review the plan sent by Tehran but stated he could not imagine it being acceptable. He emphasized that the current leadership has failed to pay a big enough price for what he described as actions against humanity and the world. While boarding Air Force One, Trump confirmed to reporters that he had not yet examined the full proposal in detail. He noted, "I'm looking at it up here... I'll let you know about it later," signaling that a final decision remains pending.

According to reports from Iran’s Tasnim News Agency, Tehran’s 14-point plan seeks to establish a comprehensive framework to end the war across all fronts. This includes addressing ongoing tensions involving Lebanon. The proposal reportedly rejects any temporary truce, instead pushing for a permanent resolution within 30 days. Iran has outlined several strict demands, including security guarantees to prevent future attacks, the withdrawal of US forces from surrounding regions, and the lifting of naval restrictions and blockades.

The plan also calls for the release of frozen Iranian assets and compensation linked to previous sanctions and military pressure. Economically, Iran has sought the complete removal of all US and international sanctions. Furthermore, the proposal suggests a new governance mechanism for the Strait of Hormuz to ensure stable maritime flows. Kazem Gharibabadi, Iran’s deputy foreign minister, conveyed that the proposal aims to permanently end the imposed war. He stated that the ball is now in America’s court to choose between diplomacy or confrontation.

Despite acknowledging that the Iranian side wants to make a deal, Trump reiterated his concerns regarding Iran’s leadership. He described the leadership as "very disjointed," suggesting internal instability may impact negotiations. Trump also kept the military option firmly on the table, hinting that further action is possible if Iran misbehaves. He stated, "If they misbehave… it's a possibility that could happen," indicating that military strikes remain a viable tool in his strategy.

When addressing Iran’s remaining missile capabilities, Trump expressed a desire to eliminate them, noting that this would be a necessary start to prevent Iran from rebuilding its arsenal. He stressed that the US would not exit any agreement prematurely. Any deal must ensure long-term stability so that there is no need for the US to "go back in 2 years or 5 years." This stance underscores a demand for a durable, long-lasting resolution rather than a temporary ceasefire.

Strategic Implications for Middle East Stability

The rejection of the immediate acceptability of the 14-point peace proposal highlights the deep chasm between Washington and Tehran. Trump’s skepticism, rooted in the belief that Iran has not paid a "big enough price," suggests that any future agreement will require significantly more concessions from Iran than those currently on the table. The demand for the elimination of missile capabilities and the withdrawal of US forces represents a fundamental shift in regional power dynamics that Iran is attempting to secure through this diplomatic push.

If Iran persists with its demands for sanction relief and security guarantees without addressing Trump’s core concerns, the likelihood of further military engagement increases. Trump’s hint at potential strikes and his focus on eliminating missile capabilities indicate that the US is unwilling to grant economic or territorial concessions without a complete dismantling of Iran’s military infrastructure. The coming days will be critical as Trump reviews the proposal in detail. The outcome will determine whether the region moves toward a fragile diplomatic de-escalation or enters a prolonged period of heightened military tension, with the Strait of Hormuz potentially remaining a focal point of global economic anxiety.