President Donald Trump has issued a fresh warning to Iran. He said he would review Tehran’s new 14-point peace proposal but expressed deep doubt about its chances. In a post on Truth Social, Trump argued that Iran has not yet “paid a big enough price” for its actions over the last 47 years. He said he “cannot imagine” Iran’s plan being acceptable. Later, speaking to reporters in Florida, Trump left the door open to resuming military strikes if Tehran “misbehaves.”
Trump’s Message
Trump was asked directly whether he would restart strikes on Iran. He did not rule it out. “If they misbehave, if they do something bad, but right now, we’ll see. But it’s a possibility that could happen, certainly,” he said. He declined to specify what exactly would trigger such action.
The war, launched by the United States and Israel in late February, has been on hold since April 8. One failed round of peace talks has already taken place in Pakistan. Iran submitted its renewed 14-point proposal to Pakistan as a mediator. The proposal reportedly includes ending the conflict on all fronts and creating a new framework for the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
Trump’s Skepticism
Earlier, Trump had already turned down an Iranian negotiating proposal, saying he was “not satisfied.” He laid out his thinking in blunt terms. “At this moment, I’m not satisfied with what they’re offering. Do we want to go and just blast the hell out of them and finish them forever — or do we want to try and make a deal? I would prefer not to take the first option on a human basis,” he said.
Iran’s Response
Iran is not backing down. A senior Iranian military officer reportedly said it is “likely” that the war could resume after Trump’s comments. The officer accused US officials of trying to “extricate themselves from the mess they have created.” He said the recent actions and statements from Washington are primarily media-driven, aimed first at preventing a drop in oil prices and second at managing domestic political pressure. He added that Iran’s armed forces are “fully prepared for any new adventures or foolishness from the Americans.”
Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister also weighed in. He told diplomats in Tehran that “the ball is in the United States’ court to choose the path of diplomacy or the continuation of a confrontational approach.” Iran, he said, is “prepared for both paths.”
What Comes Next
Trump will now review Iran’s 14-point proposal. But his public statements suggest he is leaning against it. He believes Iran has not paid enough of a price for decades of actions. At the same time, he has said he would prefer not to choose war on human grounds. Iran, for its part, says it is ready for either diplomacy or continued confrontation. The ceasefire that has held since April 8 remains fragile. The next move is Washington’s to make.
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