Hopes for a breakthrough in efforts to end the ongoing conflict between the United States (US) and Iran have dimmed, as US President Donald Trump expressed dissatisfaction with Tehran’s latest proposal to resolve the two-month war.
According to a US official familiar with internal discussions, Trump rejected the framework put forward by Iran, which seeks to delay negotiations over its nuclear program until after hostilities cease and maritime disputes in the Gulf are addressed. Washington, however, insists that nuclear concerns must be central to any agreement from the outset.
The White House maintained a cautious stance publicly. Spokeswoman Olivia Wales reiterated that the administration would not negotiate through the media, while emphasizing that US red lines remain unchanged as it pursues an end to the conflict, which began in February with support from Israel.
Iran’s position reflects longstanding sensitivities over its nuclear activities. A 2015 agreement between Tehran and world powers, including the United States, had placed strict limits on Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. However, the accord collapsed after Trump withdrew from it during his first term, deepening mistrust between the two sides.
Recent diplomatic efforts appear to have stalled. A planned visit by US special envoy Steve Witkoff and senior adviser Jared Kushner to Islamabad was abruptly cancelled, despite a flurry of regional diplomacy by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, who traveled between Pakistan, Oman, and Russia in recent days. In Moscow, Araqchi met President Vladimir Putin and secured expressions of support from the Kremlin.
On the ground, the conflict continues to disrupt global energy markets. Oil prices have resumed their upward trend amid concerns over restricted supply routes, particularly through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. Analysts note that physical disruptions to oil flows, rather than political rhetoric, are now driving market volatility.
Shipping data underscores the scale of the disruption. Tanker movements through the Strait have dropped sharply, with only a handful of vessels transiting in the past 24 hours compared to well over a hundred daily crossings before the conflict. Several Iranian oil tankers have reportedly been turned back due to a U.S. naval blockade, prompting Tehran to condemn the actions as unlawful seizures.
Iran’s proposed roadmap envisions a phased negotiation process. The initial stage would require an end to military operations and guarantees against renewed conflict. Subsequent talks would address maritime access and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz under Iranian oversight. Only in later stages would discussions turn to the nuclear issue, including Iran’s demand for recognition of its right to enrich uranium.
However, with both sides maintaining fundamentally different priorities, prospects for a near-term resolution appear uncertain. Meanwhile, President Trump faces growing domestic pressure to conclude a conflict that has strained global markets and raised questions at home over its strategic objectives.
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