Former US President Donald Trump has indicated he is likely to reject a new peace proposal from Tehran, stating on Saturday that Iran has not yet “paid a big enough price”. Trump confirmed he would review the proposal but expressed significant doubt over its prospects, maintaining a hardline stance against the Islamic Republic.
The new initiative, reportedly a 14-point proposal, was disclosed by two semiofficial Iranian news outlets, Tasnim and Fars. These outlets are widely believed to be closely affiliated with Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, suggesting the proposal carries significant weight within the Iranian establishment.
In response to Trump’s comments, Iran has reiterated that the “ball is in the United States’ court.” This statement underscores Tehran's view that the onus for de-escalation and diplomatic progress now rests with Washington, reflecting a long-standing diplomatic stalemate between the two nations.
The current developments unfold against a backdrop of heightened tensions in the Middle East, with previous US administrations, including Trump's, having imposed stringent sanctions on Iran. The UK Government has consistently called for de-escalation in the region and adherence to international agreements, previously expressing regret over the US withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), commonly known as the Iran nuclear deal.