Reviewing Iran's Proposal
President Trump said Saturday that he is reviewing a new 14-point peace proposal from Iran, but expressed doubt about its acceptability. Trump stated he "can’t imagine that it would be acceptable in that they have not yet paid a big enough price for what they have done to Humanity, and the World, over the last 47 years," in a Truth Social post. The proposal, delivered via Pakistan, seeks a resolution to the regional conflict within 30 days.
Conditions for Strikes
Trump told reporters Saturday that he could order renewed military action against Iran if it "misbehaves." He stated, "If they misbehave, if they do something bad — but right now, we'll see. It's a possibility that could happen, certainly." Trump was briefed by CENTCOM commander Adm. Brad Cooper on Thursday about new plans for military strikes against Iran.
Details of the Proposal
The Iranian proposal sets a one-month deadline for negotiations on a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, end the U.S. naval blockade, and permanently end the war in Iran and in Lebanon, according to two sources. Only after such a deal is reached, another month of negotiations would be launched to try and reach a deal on the nuclear program, the sources said. Trump said he would review the "exact wording" of the proposal on Air Force One.
Ceasefire Questioned
Despite a ceasefire in place since April 17, both sides have accused the other of violations. Hezbollah and the Israeli military announced new operations in southern Lebanon Friday. The U.S. has sold a new tranche of about $9 billion in weapons to Israel and several Middle East allies.
War Powers Resolution
The conflict hit the 60-day mark on Friday under the 1973 War Powers Act. Trump told Congress that "hostilities have terminated" because of the ceasefire, arguing he does not need congressional authorization. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called that claim "bulls***." The Senate voted for a sixth time Thursday to reject a War Powers resolution that would end military operations in Iran until Congress votes to approve them.
Regional Impact
The U.S. Embassy in Beirut has called on Lebanon's government to further its engagement with Israel, tacitly sidelining Hezbollah. The war keeps costing American motorists more at the pump, with the average price of gas hitting $4.39 a gallon early Friday, according to AAA. Shipping traffic in the Strait of Hormuz has dropped by more than 90% since the conflict began.
As negotiations continue, the U.S. Treasury issued a notice warning that any individual or company paying Iran a "toll" for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz risks violating U.S. sanctions.
