Trump says Iran has not “paid a big enough price,” even as Tehran pushes a new peace proposal amid fragile ceasefire conditions
US President Donald Trump has warned that military strikes against Iran could resume if Tehran “misbehaves,” even as he reviews a fresh 14-point peace proposal submitted through diplomatic channels.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump expressed deep skepticism about the proposal, stating that he “cannot imagine” it being acceptable given Iran’s past actions.
“I will soon be reviewing the plan that Iran has just sent to us, but 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,” he said.
Speaking briefly to reporters in Florida later, Trump left the door open for renewed military action, though he avoided detailing specific triggers.
“If they misbehave, if they do something bad, but right now, we’ll see. But it’s a possibility that could happen, certainly,” he said.
Fragile pause in conflict
The conflict—launched jointly by the United States and Israel in late February—has remained on hold since April 8 following a stalled round of peace talks in Pakistan. The latest Iranian proposal reportedly includes provisions to end hostilities across multiple fronts and introduce a new framework governing the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz.
Despite the diplomatic outreach, Trump reiterated dissatisfaction with earlier proposals from Tehran.
“At this moment, I’m not satisfied with what they’re offering. Do we want to go and just blast the hell out of them and finish them forever — or do we want to try and make a deal? I would prefer not to take the first option on a human basis,” he said.
Iran signals readiness for escalation
Iranian officials have responded with a mix of warning and diplomatic signaling. Senior military officer Mohammad Jafar Asadi suggested that a return to conflict remains likely, accusing Washington of attempting to manage optics rather than resolve tensions.
“The actions and statements of US officials are primarily media-driven, aimed first at preventing a drop in oil prices and second at extricating themselves from the mess they have created. The armed forces are fully prepared for any new adventures or foolishness from the Americans,” he said.
Meanwhile, Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi emphasized that the next move rests with Washington.
“The ball is in the United States’ court to choose the path of diplomacy or the continuation of a confrontational approach,” he told diplomats in Tehran, adding that Iran is “prepared for both paths.”
High-stakes diplomacy
The renewed exchange underscores the fragile state of diplomacy, with both sides maintaining hardline rhetoric even as negotiations remain technically open. The future of the ceasefire—and broader regional stability—may hinge on Washington’s response to the latest proposal.
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