U.S. President Donald Trump said Friday he is dissatisfied with Iran’s latest proposal for negotiations, casting doubt on efforts to revive diplomacy amid ongoing tensions following months of conflict.
Speaking to reporters before departing the White House, Trump said Tehran appeared divided internally and was making demands Washington could not accept. “They want a deal, but I’m not satisfied,” he said, adding that Iran’s leadership seemed “very disjointed.”
The remarks came after reports from Iranian state media and regional officials indicated that Tehran had submitted a fresh proposal aimed at breaking the deadlock in talks. Trump acknowledged some progress in ongoing contacts, including mediation efforts by Pakistan, but questioned whether negotiations would ultimately succeed.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said Tehran remains open to diplomacy, provided the United States abandons what he described as an “excessive approach” marked by threats and provocative actions. In comments shared on Telegram, Araqchi stressed that Iran’s military remained prepared to respond to any escalation.
The conflict, which began with U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran in late February, has killed thousands and severely disrupted global energy markets. The continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz has choked off roughly a fifth of the world’s oil and gas flows, contributing to price volatility despite brief declines following news of the Iranian proposal.
Although a ceasefire has technically been in place since early April, uncertainty persists. Reports that Trump could be briefed on potential new military strikes to pressure Iran briefly pushed oil prices to multi-year highs this week. Iranian sources have said Tehran has activated air defenses and is preparing for a possible short, intensive U.S. attack, potentially followed by Israeli involvement.
Washington has also increased economic pressure, warning shipping companies they could face sanctions if they pay transit fees to Iran in the Strait. Meanwhile, the U.S. Navy continues efforts to restrict Iranian crude exports.
Trump reiterated that preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons remains a core objective, while also emphasizing domestic concerns over fuel prices ahead of upcoming elections. “Do we want to make a deal, or take a different path?” he said, adding that he would prefer a diplomatic outcome “on a human basis.”
China has also weighed in, urging restraint. Fu Cong called for maintaining the ceasefire and reopening the Strait of Hormuz as soon as possible, warning of broader economic consequences if disruptions persist.