Donald Trump has rejected Iran’s 14-point peace proposal after reviewing its contents, calling it “not acceptable” and signalling that the terms fall short of Washington’s expectations for ending the conflict.
Speaking in an interview, Trump said he had examined the proposal in detail but remained dissatisfied, adding that there were elements he “can’t agree to.” His remarks reinforce earlier statements in which he argued that Iran had “not yet paid a big enough price,” indicating a tougher negotiating stance from the United States.
The rejection highlights a fundamental divide between the two sides, particularly over how any agreement should be structured. While Tehran’s proposal focuses on immediate de-escalation—such as converting the ceasefire into a formal end to hostilities and reopening the Strait of Hormuz—it postpones detailed negotiations on its nuclear programme. In contrast, the US position continues to prioritise early and verifiable nuclear commitments, especially limits on uranium enrichment and stockpiles.
According to details of the proposal, Iran outlined a phased roadmap. The first stage centres on halting military activity across the region, including commitments involving the US, Israel, and Iran-aligned groups, along with restoring maritime movement in the Strait of Hormuz. The second phase includes a significant offer—a 15-year freeze on uranium enrichment, after which enrichment would resume at low levels under strict conditions, with no long-term stockpiling. The final phase envisions broader regional cooperation through dialogue with neighbouring countries.
Despite these provisions, the sequencing remains the key sticking point. Iran seeks sanctions relief and de-escalation before addressing nuclear restrictions in depth, whereas Washington insists that nuclear safeguards must come first in any binding agreement.
Iran has confirmed that it has received a US response via Pakistan and is currently reviewing it, though officials have not disclosed its contents. At present, there are no active nuclear negotiations underway, reflecting the stalled state of diplomacy.
Trump has also kept the option of renewed military action open, stating that strikes could resume if Iran “misbehaves.” This ongoing uncertainty, combined with disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz affecting global energy flows, continues to add urgency to negotiations, even as both sides remain far apart.
Overall, the US rejection of the proposal suggests that a near-term agreement is unlikely, with core disagreements over nuclear policy, sequencing, and regional security still unresolved.
