U.S. President Donald Trump signaled on Monday that he is unlikely to accept Iran's latest proposal to end the conflict after Tehran offered a plan that involves opening the Strait of Hormuz but leaves questions regarding its nuclear program for further negotiations, CNN reports, according to UNN.
Details
Two people familiar with the situation said Trump outlined his views during a meeting Monday with senior national security officials where the Iran issue was discussed. One of the sources said Trump is unlikely to accept the plan, which was conveyed to the U.S. in the last few days.
Opening the strait without addressing issues of Iran's uranium enrichment or stockpiles of near-weapons-grade uranium could deprive the U.S. of key leverage in negotiations, officials said.
However, maintaining the blockade of the strait will continue the rise in energy prices, which has led to a sharp increase in fuel costs in the U.S.
Following Monday's meeting, it remained unclear what Trump's next steps would be. U.S. officials say they remain concerned about what they perceive as divisions within the Iranian regime and are unsure who will retain the authority to make final decisions on a potential deal.
However, Trump has publicly expressed skepticism about the idea of resuming U.S. bombings, which have been suspended since he extended the truce last week, the publication writes.
The White House declined to comment on specific details of the negotiations.
"These are sensitive diplomatic negotiations, and the U.S. will not negotiate through the press. As the President has said, the United States holds the cards and will only enter into a deal if the interests of the American people come first, never allowing Iran to have a nuclear weapon," Assistant Press Secretary Olivia Wales said in a statement to CNN.
The US and Iran are not as far apart as it seems - media28.04.26, 08:20