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President Donald Trump expressed dissatisfaction with Iran’s latest negotiating proposal amid ongoing stalled peace talks despite a recent ceasefire. Iran delivered the draft to Pakistani mediators Thursday evening, though its details remain undisclosed. Trump told reporters, “I’m not pleased with what they’re offering right now,” pointing to internal disagreements within Iran’s leadership as the reason for the impasse. He added, “Do we want to bomb them into submission forever, or try to reach an agreement?” emphasizing a preference for diplomacy on moral grounds. The conflict, initiated by surprise strikes from the U.S. and Israel on February 28, has been on hold since April 8, with only one unsuccessful direct negotiations attempt since. Under domestic pressure to get congressional approval for the war, Trump notified lawmakers on Friday that hostilities are “terminated,” although U.S. military presence remains unchanged. Subsequently, the Pentagon announced plans to withdraw roughly 5,000 troops from Germany over the next year, following German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s remarks criticizing Iran’s tactics at the negotiation table. Iran continues to control the Strait of Hormuz, restricting oil, gas, and fertilizer shipments, while the U.S. enforces a counter-blockade targeting Iranian ports. Despite the deadlock, the ceasefire holds, but conflicts persist elsewhere, including in Lebanon where Israel continues strikes despite a ceasefire with Hezbollah. Thirteen fatalities were reported in southern Lebanon, notably in Habboush, where Israeli forces had previously ordered evacuations. Additionally, the U.S. approved substantial arms deals with regional allies—$4 billion in Patriot missile systems for Qatar and nearly $1 billion worth of precision weaponry for Israel. Iran’s judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei asserted Iran remains open to negotiations but opposes peace terms imposed from outside. The White House declined to disclose details of Iran’s proposal, though reports suggest that U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff proposed amendments that would keep Iran’s nuclear program on the table, including restrictions on moving and resuming activity at enriched uranium sites. Oil prices briefly dipped almost 5% following this news but stayed roughly 50% above pre-war levels due to the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz. A resident in Tehran, Amir, described the stalemate as “feeling like we’re stuck in limbo” and doubted the viability of Iran’s current proposals, believing the U.S. and Israel are likely to strike again. Meanwhile, Washington is caught in a legal debate over whether Trump missed the deadline to seek congressional approval for the ongoing war. Some officials argue the ceasefire pauses the 60-day clock, making congressional consent necessary, a view opposed by Democrats. Trump, facing mounting national pressure with inflation rising and no declared victory, announced in letters to Congress that hostilities have “ended” since April 7, 2026. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards reportedly lost 14 members while defusing unexploded cluster bombs and mines. Tehran accuses the U.S. and Israel of employing cluster munitions, which pose long-term hazards. The war’s economic toll on Iran worsens, with new sanctions targeting Iranian currency firms and warnings against paying tolls through Hormuz. The U.S. claims its blockade has halted $6 billion in Iranian oil exports, with inflation exceeding 50%. Many Iranians struggle with basic necessities, including rent and food. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei urged business owners to avoid layoffs amid threats of “economic and cultural jihad” against Iran’s enemies. Trump has criticized allies for not joining efforts to reopen Hormuz, although France and Britain aim to rally a coalition to do so, while the U.S. plans to form its own alliance. The U.S.S. Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier has left the region after recent operations, but other carriers remain in the area.
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