Iran presses for an end to war within 30 days as Trump expresses doubts

May 4 ------ President Donald Trump said that he was reviewing a new Iranian proposal to end the war, but also expressed doubt it would lead to a deal.

Iran's 14-point proposal calls for an end to the war, rather than just an extension of the truce. The proposal, a rebuttal to the U.S. nine-point plan, also calls for the U.S. to lift sanctions on Iran, ending the naval blockade, withdraw forces from the region, and cease all hostilities, including Israel's operations in Lebanon, according to the semiofficial Nour News agency, which has close ties to the country's security organizations. Iran sent its reply via a Pakistani intermediary, the news agency reported. Pakistan has hosted previous negotiations between Iran and the United States.

Pakistan's prime minister, foreign minister, and army chief are continuing to push negotiations and encourage the U.S. and Iran to speak directly, according to two officials in Pakistan who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the media. Trump rejected a previous Iranian proposal this week.

However, conversations have continued, and the fragile three-week ceasefire appears to be holding. Also on Sunday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi spoke with Oman's Foreign Minister Badr al Busaidi, who oversaw previous rounds of talks between the U.S. and Iran before the latest round of fighting. The U.S. president also offered a new plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz at the mouth of the Persian Gulf, where about a fifth of the world's trade in oil and natural gas typically passes.

Iran stands firm on Strait of Hormuz issues

Iran's deputy parliament speaker said on Sunday that Iran "will not back down from our position on the Strait of Hormuz, and it will not return to its prewar conditions." Ali Nikzad, who has no decision-making power in parliament, made the comments while on a visit to port facilities on Iran's strategic Larak Island, located close to the narrowest part of the strait. "The Strait of Hormuz belongs to the Islamic Republic of Iran," he said, adding that the country was working to compensate businesses and property damaged during the war, and that Trump's blockade plan was certain to fail.

Nikzad reiterated Iran's position that any ships not associated with the U.S. or Israel will be able to pass after paying a toll. The U.S. has warned shipping companies they could face sanctions for paying Iran in any form, including digital assets, to pass safely. Iran effectively closed the Strait by attacking and threatening ships after the U.S. and Israel launched a war on Feb. 28. Tehran later offered some ships safe passage via routes closer to its shore, charging fees at times. The U.S. has responded with a naval blockade of Iranian ports since April 13, depriving Tehran of the oil revenue it needs to shore up its ailing economy.

Source: mb.com.ph