President Donald Trump rejected a proposal put forward by several nations suggesting a 45-day ceasefire with Iran. Speaking at an annual Easter event at the White House, Trump deemed the initiative a “significant step” but ultimately “not sufficient”. This plan, which was reportedly sent on Monday to both the US and Iran, is viewed as a last-ditch effort to avert massive attacks on Iranian power plants and other infrastructure, which Trump had threatened if the Strait of Hormuz were blocked.
During his remarks, Trump stated that the Iranian leadership has become “much more reasonable”. He asserted that the “first and second regime” had been removed, and the current group the US is dealing with is “less radicalized” and “more intelligent”. However, a White House official clarified that Trump has not approved the proposal, describing it merely as one of several ideas while military operations in Iran continue.
Currently, Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey are acting as mediators between the two warring countries, though indirect talks have recently stalled. According to US reports, the latest proposal was sent to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff. Nevertheless, Tehran had previously refused any temporary ceasefire, arguing that it would give their adversaries a break to prepare for resuming hostilities.