US President Donald Trump has expressed dissatisfaction with Iran's recent proposal aimed at concluding the ongoing two-month conflict, according to a US official briefed on the president's discussions with advisors. The primary point of contention revolves around the sequencing of negotiations, with Washington demanding that Iran's nuclear program be addressed from the outset of any peace talks.
Conversely, senior Iranian officials, speaking anonymously, outlined a phased approach to peace, which was reportedly conveyed by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi. Under this plan, the initial phase would focus on ending the US-Israeli military actions against Iran and establishing guarantees to prevent future aggression. Subsequently, negotiators would tackle the US Navy's blockade of Iranian sea trade and the status of the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran seeks to reopen under its control. Discussions on Iran's nuclear program, including its right to enrich uranium, would only commence after these initial issues are resolved.
White House Stance and Diplomatic Friction
White House spokeswoman Olivia Wales reiterated the administration's position, stating, “The United States will not negotiate through the press” and has “been clear about our red lines.” This statement underscores Washington's firm stance amid the diplomatic impasse.
The disagreement has already led to concrete actions, including President Trump's cancellation of a planned weekend visit by his special envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner to Islamabad. Araqchi had traveled to the Pakistani capital, but the US counterparts' absence meant no direct talks took place.
Iran's Continued Diplomatic Outreach
Despite the setback, Tehran has maintained its diplomatic efforts. Foreign Minister Araqchi embarked on visits to Pakistan, Oman, and Russia. In Russia, he met with President Vladimir Putin, securing support from the long-standing ally. Araqchi reportedly told reporters that Trump had initiated requests for negotiations because the United States had not achieved its objectives in the conflict.
Iranian media reports suggest these discussions extended beyond the nuclear issue, encompassing proposals for a new legal framework for the Strait of Hormuz, demands for compensation, guarantees against future military action, and the lifting of US maritime restrictions.
Trump's Call for Direct Contact
On Sunday, President Trump publicly invited Iran to contact Washington directly if it wished to negotiate an end to the war. Speaking to Fox News, he remarked, “If they want to talk, they can come to us, or they can call us. You know, there is a telephone. We have nice, secure lines.” He emphasized that Iran understands the core requirement for any agreement: “They cannot have a nuclear weapon, otherwise there’s no reason to meet.”
Earlier, in a Truth Social post, Trump justified canceling the Islamabad trip by citing wasted travel time, heavy workload, and perceived “tremendous infighting and confusion” within the Iranian leadership, questioning who was truly in charge. Meanwhile, global oil prices have seen a rise, and shipping activity through the Strait of Hormuz remains significantly reduced amidst the ongoing tensions.