WEST PALM BEACH — President Donald Trump signaled deep skepticism Saturday regarding a new 14-point peace proposal submitted by Iran, even as the global economy remains throttled by the ongoing blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
Speaking to reporters before boarding Air Force One in Florida, the President confirmed he had received the “concept” of the deal via Pakistani mediators but was far from convinced. “I’ll let you know about it later,” Trump said, before taking to social media to sharpen his tone. He noted he “can’t imagine” the terms would be acceptable, arguing that Tehran has not yet “paid a big enough price” for its actions over the last several decades.
The 14-Point Framework
The Iranian proposal, detailed by semi-official outlets Tasnim and Fars, serves as a counter-offer to a previous nine-point U.S. plan. While Washington had pushed for a two-month ceasefire, Tehran’s new framework demands a resolution to all hostilities within 30 days. Key pillars of the document include:
Military Withdrawal: The immediate exit of U.S. forces from areas surrounding Iran.
Economic Redress: The unfreezing of all Iranian assets and the payment of reparations for damages caused by the conflict.
Sanctions Relief: The total lifting of U.S. and international sanctions.
Regional De-escalation: An end to fighting on all fronts, including Lebanon.
Crisis at the Chokepoint
At the heart of the deadlock is a “new mechanism” for the Strait of Hormuz. Since the outbreak of hostilities in late February, the vital waterway—through which 20% of the world’s oil flows—has been effectively shuttered.
The “dual blockade” has seen the U.S. Navy isolate Iranian ports while Iran has heavily mined the strait and seized merchant vessels. This maritime paralysis has triggered the largest energy supply disruption since the 1970s, with over 2,000 ships currently stranded in the Persian Gulf.
While a fragile three-week ceasefire remains in place, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi warned that the “ball is in the U.S. court,” stating that Tehran is prepared for either a lasting diplomatic breakthrough or a return to open war.
