U.S. President Donald Trump mentioned on Saturday that he is examining a new Iranian proposition to conclude the conflict while also expressing doubt about the possibility of reaching an agreement. “I’ll provide updates later,” he stated before boarding Air Force One, noting that he is awaiting the specific details. Following discussions with reporters, Trump took to social media to express skepticism about the new proposal, stating that he doubts its acceptability given Iran’s historical actions.
Reports from two semi-official Iranian news outlets, Tasnim and Fars, believed to have close ties to Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, revealed that Iran has dispatched a 14-point proposal through Pakistan in response to a nine-point U.S. proposal. However, Iran’s state-controlled media outlets have not covered this development. Trump had recently turned down a prior Iranian proposal, although talks have persisted, and the ceasefire, now in its third week, seems to be holding.
In a separate development, the United States cautioned shipping companies about potential sanctions if they make payments to Iran for passage through the Strait of Hormuz. A notice issued by the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) on Friday added another element of tension to the confrontation between the U.S. and Iran over control of the strait, a crucial route for about a fifth of the world’s oil and gas trade.
Meanwhile, Nobel Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi’s health is reported to be at “very high risk” as she remains hospitalized in Zanjan, Iran. Her condition, as described by her foundation, includes fluctuating blood pressure and severe nausea. Medical authorities in Zanjan have requested her medical records before proceeding with treatment, advocating for her transfer to Tehran for care by her own doctors, a move opposed by the Intelligence Ministry.
Furthermore, Iran announced the execution of two men convicted of spying for Israel. Yaghoub Karimpour and Nasser Bekrzadeh were hanged after the Supreme Court upheld their death sentences. Karimpour was accused of sharing sensitive information with an Israeli intelligence officer, while Bekrzadeh was charged with providing intelligence on government officials and the Natanz nuclear facility, previously targeted by Israeli and U.S. airstrikes.
As tensions persist, negotiations between the U.S. and Iran continue amid efforts to de-escalate the conflict. Trump, who recently canceled envoys’ visit to Pakistan, floated a proposal to reopen the critical passageway in the Gulf used for oil and gas exports by regional allies. Iranian Foreign Affairs Minister Abbas Araghchi has briefed regional counterparts on Iran’s peace initiatives, emphasizing ongoing dialogues with European Union officials and Gulf partners.
The situation in the region remains precarious, with the global economy feeling the strain as both countries trade accusations of ceasefire violations. The standoff has led to price hikes and shortages of vital commodities linked to the oil industry, underscoring the critical importance of resolving the conflict to stabilize the region.