WASHINGTON — US President Donald Trump has rejected Iran’s latest proposal for easing tensions but says fresh talks could take place this week, keeping diplomacy alive amid continuing disagreements between Washington and Tehran.
“They want to make a deal, but it is not the deal that I want to make,” Trump said, accusing Iran of having “overplayed their hand.”
Trump Holds Out for Different Deal
Iran’s proposal reportedly sought to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and restart nuclear negotiations in exchange for measures including easing restrictions on Iranian oil sales, lifting the US naval blockade and restoring a broader ceasefire.
Trump rejected those terms but indicated that negotiations were far from over.
“I expect more talks with Iran this week,” he said.
Nuclear Dispute Remains Key
The major obstacle is the scope of any agreement.
Tehran has sought negotiations focused on sanctions, the Strait of Hormuz, the naval blockade and a ceasefire. Washington is also seeking concessions involving Iran’s nuclear programme.
Indirect negotiations involving US representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi have already taken place, with regional mediators working to narrow the differences.
Trump Keeps Military Option Open
Trump also refused to rule out renewed military action.
Asked whether further strikes were being considered, he said he was “always thinking about it.”
Iran, meanwhile, has maintained that it remains open to negotiations while warning it would respond to renewed attacks.
Critical Days Ahead
Trump’s message leaves two paths open: continued diplomacy or renewed confrontation.
For now, negotiations remain alive. But with Washington demanding substantially different terms from Tehran’s latest proposal, the next round of talks could determine whether the crisis moves toward a settlement — or another escalation.
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