US President Donald Trump claims Iran is desperate to end a month-long conflict that has destabilized the Middle East and triggered a global energy shock. Despite these claims, Tehran has issued new demands before agreeing to a ceasefire, insisting any cessation of hostilities will happen on its own terms and timeline.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt described recent peace talks as productive, stating that the Iranian regime is seeking an exit from the war. Trump echoed this sentiment to congressional Republicans in Washington, stating that Iran wants a deal badly but is afraid to admit it publicly.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi contradicted the US assessment. While confirming that Iran is reviewing a US proposal, Araghchi stated there is no intention of holding talks to wind down the conflict. He emphasized in a state television interview that exchanging messages and issuing warnings through friendly intermediary nations does not constitute negotiation or dialogue.
The Trump administration has reportedly compiled a 15-point peace proposal, which Pakistan delivered to the Islamic Republic. Leavitt confirmed there are elements of truth to the reported proposal but cautioned against speculation. Additionally, US Vice President JD Vance may travel to Pakistan for Iran-related talks this weekend, though the White House noted the situation remains fluid.
According to Iranian state-run media, Tehran’s conditions for peace include an end to aggression and assassinations, a commitment against restarting the war—including strikes on its regional proxy militias—full control of the Strait of Hormuz, and compensation for damages.
The Strait of Hormuz, a crucial waterway for a fifth of the world’s oil, has been effectively blockaded since the US and Israel began bombing Iran on February 28. Iranian lawmakers are currently drafting a bill to impose a formal transit toll for ships passing through the strait. Tehran has already begun charging commercial vessels up to $2 million per voyage on an ad hoc basis.
As diplomacy falters, military actions continue. Iran has maintained strikes on neighboring Middle East nations. The United Arab Emirates reported its air defenses responding to Iranian missile and drone threats, and Bahrain noted an Iranian attack caused a fire at a facility in Muharraq. Concurrently, the Israel Defence Forces completed a wave of attacks targeting infrastructure in Isfahan, central Iran.
In response, Washington has ordered additional troops to the region, with deployments from the Asia-Pacific expected by the end of the week. Trump recently set a five-day deadline for Iran to negotiate an end to the war. Leavitt warned that if Iran fails to accept the current reality, Trump is prepared to “unleash hell” and hit the nation harder than ever before.
The war, now in its fourth week, has resulted in a mounting death toll. Fatalities include more than 1,500 people in Iran, nearly 1,100 in Lebanon, 16 in Israel, and 13 US military members, alongside civilians in the Persian Gulf region. Millions of people in Iran and Lebanon have been displaced.
The conflict’s fallout has led to surging fuel and fertilizer prices, sparking fears of an inflation crisis and worldwide food shortages. With commercial tankers avoiding the Strait of Hormuz, Brent oil is on pace for its largest monthly gain since 1990, rising toward $104 a barrel, while West Texas Intermediate neared $92.