U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed on Saturday, May 2, that he has received the “concept” of a new 14-point peace proposal from Tehran aimed at ending the two-month-old conflict.
While acknowledging the diplomatic overture, Trump expressed skepticism and warned that the U.S. military remains prepared to resume strikes if negotiations fail.
The conflict, which erupted in February 2026 following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites, has triggered what experts call the “greatest global energy security challenge in history.”
The subsequent closure of the Strait of Hormuz has choked off roughly 20% of the world’s oil and gas supplies, pushing U.S. gasoline prices toward $5.00 a gallon.
”They told me about the concept of the deal. They’re going to give me the exact wording now,” Trump told reporters before a flight to Miami. However, he later posted on social media that he “can’t imagine that it would be acceptable,” adding that Iran had not yet “paid a big enough price” for its actions.
The 14-Point Proposal
The Iranian proposal, conveyed through Pakistani mediators, reportedly seeks to de-escalate the maritime crisis before tackling the more complex nuclear issue. Key terms include:
- Maritime Access: Reopening the Strait of Hormuz to international shipping.
- Sanctions & Assets: Lifting the U.S. naval blockade, releasing frozen Iranian assets, and ending economic sanctions.
- Military Withdrawal: The withdrawal of U.S. forces from areas surrounding Iran and an end to the war on all fronts, including Lebanon.
- Security Guarantees: Payment of compensation for damages and a guarantee that the U.S. and Israel will not attack again.
A senior Iranian official described the plan as a “significant shift,” noting that by moving nuclear curbs to a final stage, they hope to create a “more conducive atmosphere” for a permanent ceasefire.
Geopolitical & Economic Stakes
The U.S. and Israel suspended their primary bombing campaign four weeks ago under a fragile ceasefire, but tensions remain high. The war has claimed thousands of lives and caused nearly $1 trillion in economic damage to Iran, while Israel has reported $50 billion in losses.
Domestically, Trump faces mounting pressure as the Republican Party prepares for the November midterm elections. The energy crisis has led to panic buying in Asia and severe inflation in Europe and the Americas.
When asked about the possibility of renewed military action, Trump remained non-committal but firm:
”If they misbehave, if they do something bad… right now we’ll see. But it’s a possibility that could happen, certainly.”
Washington maintains that any final deal must permanently prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon—a goal Iran continues to claim is purely for peaceful purposes.
With the “ball in the U.S. court,” the coming days will determine if the exact wording of Tehran’s proposal is enough to transition the current stalemate into a lasting peace.