Reviewing Iran's Terms
President Trump stated Saturday that he is reviewing a new 14-point peace proposal from Iran, but expressed skepticism about its acceptability. Trump said he "can’t imagine that it would be acceptable in that they have not yet paid a big enough price for what they have done to Humanity, and the World, over the last 47 years," in a Truth Social post. The Iranian proposal sets a one-month deadline for negotiations to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, end the U.S. naval blockade, and permanently end the war, according to sources briefed on the proposal.
Potential for Further Military Action
Trump told reporters Saturday that he could order renewed military action against Iran if it "misbehaves." When asked whether he could order fresh strikes, Trump said, "If they misbehave, if they do something bad — but right now, we'll see. It's a possibility that could happen, certainly." CENTCOM commander Adm. Brad Cooper briefed Trump on Thursday about new plans for military strikes against Iran.
Iranian Conditions for Peace
Ali Nikzad, deputy speaker of Iran’s parliament, indicated that "a guaranteed complete halt to aggression against Lebanon” must come before talks on Hormuz, according to the semiofficial ISNA news agency. Nikzad added, “The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has been carried out to achieve peace and stability for the Lebanese people.” Iran delivered the new draft to mediator Pakistan on Thursday evening.
Ceasefire Challenges
Despite a ceasefire in place since April 17, Israeli airstrikes on southern Lebanon continue, resulting in at least seven deaths on Saturday. Israel Defense Forces spokesperson Avichay Adraee on Sunday ordered the residents of 11 Lebanese towns and villages to immediately evacuate their homes. Over 2,600 people have died in Lebanon since March 2, according to the Lebanese Ministry of Health.
Congressional Pressure and War Powers
Trump's comments come amid increased pressure from Capitol Hill to seek approval for the conflict. President Trump told Congress this week that hostilities "have terminated." The Senate voted for a sixth time Thursday to reject a War Powers resolution that would end military operations in Iran until Congress votes to approve them, failing by a vote of 47-50.
Troop Drawdown in Germany
President Trump said Saturday that the U.S. will significantly reduce its troop presence in Germany, escalating a dispute with Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Trump told reporters in Florida, "We're going to cut way down. And we're cutting a lot further than 5,000." Senior defense officials characterized the 5,000 troop drawdown as a signal of Mr. Trump's discontent with the level of assistance that European allies have offered in the U.S.-Iran war.
As negotiations continue, U.S. Treasury issued a notice warning that any individual or company that pays Iran a "toll" for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz risks violating U.S. sanctions.
