Trump Firm on Iran Strait Deadline Despite Proposal
United States President Donald Trump declared on Monday that a Tuesday deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz remains final, dismissing Tehran's latest peace proposal as significant yet insufficient to prevent potential U.S. strikes on Iranian infrastructure. The ultimatum, set for 8 p.m. Washington time, centers on the strategic waterway, through which about 20 percent of global oil supplies flow during peacetime, amid a conflict now in its sixth week.
Trump made the remarks to reporters during an Easter event on the White House South Lawn, where he described Iran's offer as "a significant proposal" and "a significant step," but added, "It's not good enough." He noted that negotiations, conducted indirectly through intermediaries including Pakistan, have proceeded in good faith but emphasized that Iran must meet specific demands, such as forswearing nuclear weapons and allowing safe passage for ships. "It could end very quickly, the war, if they do what they have to do," Trump said.
The proposal, conveyed via Islamabad, includes 10 clauses calling for a permanent end to hostilities, regional conflict resolution, protocols for Strait navigation, sanctions relief, and...