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US President Donald Trump said on Saturday, May 2, that he will review a new peace proposal from Iran but expressed strong doubts about its acceptability and did not rule out further military action.
“I will soon be reviewing the plan that Iran has just sent to us, but can’t imagine that it would be acceptable…,” Trump said on his Truth Social platform, adding that Tehran had “not yet paid a big enough price for what they have done to Humanity, and the World, over the last 47 years.”
The proposal, reportedly a 14-point plan submitted through Pakistan as mediator, comes amid stalled negotiations following a ceasefire that took effect on April 8. Talks aimed at ending the more than two-month conflict have so far failed to produce a breakthrough.
Speaking briefly to reporters, Trump left open the possibility of renewed strikes. “If they misbehave, if they do something bad… But it’s a possibility that could happen, certainly,” he said.
Iranian officials have also signalled that tensions remain high. Senior military figure Mohammad Jafar Asadi warned that “a renewed conflict between Iran and the United States is likely,” accusing Washington of failing to honour commitments. Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said “the ball is in the United States’ court,” adding that Iran is “prepared for both paths” of diplomacy or confrontation.
The dispute continues to centre on Iran’s nuclear programme and control of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route. Iran has maintained restrictions on the waterway during the conflict, contributing to a surge in global oil prices, which remain significantly higher than pre-war levels.
Meanwhile, fighting has spilled into neighbouring Lebanon, where Israeli strikes targeting Hezbollah positions have continued despite a separate truce. Lebanese state media reported casualties following the latest attacks, while Hezbollah claimed retaliatory strikes on Israeli forces.
In Washington, political tensions are also rising over the legality of the military campaign. Lawmakers are debating whether the administration has exceeded the timeframe requiring congressional approval, with officials arguing that the ceasefire paused the deadline.
Inside Iran, the economic impact of the conflict is worsening, with inflation reportedly exceeding 50 percent and oil exports disrupted. One resident, speaking anonymously, said: “Everyone is trying to endure it… but they are falling apart,” warning that conditions could deteriorate further as personal savings are depleted.
Despite the ceasefire, both sides appear to be preparing for either renewed diplomacy or escalation, leaving the outcome of the latest proposal uncertain.
