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Trump signals optimism on Iran conflict resolution
U.S. President Donald Trump expressed confidence Wednesday that the war with Iran would conclude rapidly, asserting that his administration's push to curb Tehran's nuclear program is widely understood. Speaking at a virtual campaign event in Georgia, Trump stated that recent discussions with Iranian officials had been productive, hinting at a potential breakthrough within days.
Proposed 14-point framework emerges amid skepticism
According to a report by Axios, the White House is nearing agreement on a one-page memorandum outlining 14 preliminary conditions for broader nuclear negotiations. The document, described by unnamed U.S. officials and other informed sources, includes provisions such as halting Iranian uranium enrichment, easing economic sanctions, and reopening the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping.
Reuters later confirmed the existence of the proposal through two independent sources familiar with the mediation efforts. However, the terms remain contingent on finalizing a comprehensive deal and have not been publicly disclosed.
"The Americans will not gain anything in a war they are losing that they have not gained in face-to-face negotiations."
Ebrahim Rezaei, Spokesperson, Iranian Parliament's National Security and Foreign Policy Commission
Iranian officials dismiss U.S. proposal as premature
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei told the Iranian Students' News Agency (ISNA) that Tehran was still evaluating the U.S. offer and would communicate its position to Pakistani mediators once deliberations concluded. Meanwhile, Rezaei, the parliamentary commission spokesperson, took a harder line on social media, warning that Iran remained on high alert and would respond decisively if Washington failed to make meaningful concessions.
Trump, however, doubled down on his threats, posting on Truth Social that Iran risked facing intensified military strikes if it rejected the current terms. He linked the potential escalation to the fate of Operation Epic Fury, the joint U.S.-Israeli offensive in Iran, which he claimed would end only if Tehran accepted the proposed conditions.
Strait of Hormuz remains flashpoint amid partial ceasefire
The strategic waterway, which typically handles 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments, has been effectively blockaded since late February, when U.S. and Israeli forces launched attacks on Iranian targets. A ceasefire announced in early April reduced drone and missile strikes on Gulf states, but maritime traffic has remained severely restricted.
On Tuesday, Trump announced a pause in Project Freedom, an initiative aimed at escorting stranded vessels through the strait to stabilize global oil markets. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) suggested that reopening the passage depended on the "end of aggressors' threats."
U.S. Central Command reported Wednesday that it had disabled an Iranian-flagged oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman after it attempted to breach the American blockade. The incident underscores the ongoing tensions despite diplomatic overtures.
Israel aligns with U.S. objectives amid regional tensions
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu affirmed full coordination with the Trump administration on Iran, emphasizing the shared goal of eliminating Tehran's uranium enrichment capabilities. His remarks followed Israel's first airstrike on Beirut since the April ceasefire, targeting a senior Hezbollah commander accused of attacking Israeli settlements and military positions.
Hezbollah, backed by Iran, has continued cross-border strikes on northern Israel and Lebanese territory, despite the truce. Both sides have accused each other of violating the agreement, with Israel focusing on southern Lebanon and Hezbollah launching rockets and drones into Israeli-held areas.
Uncertainty lingers over nuclear commitments
Trump reiterated his claim that Iran had agreed to abandon nuclear weapons development, though Tehran has not confirmed this assertion. The status of Iran's nuclear program remains a central obstacle in negotiations, with both sides yet to bridge key differences.
Pakistan's foreign minister, meanwhile, stated that Islamabad was working to transform the current ceasefire into a lasting peace agreement, though no timeline has been provided.
