WASHINGTON / TEHRAN — U.S. President Donald Trump stated on Saturday that he is reviewing a new 14-point peace proposal submitted by Tehran, though he remains doubtful that the overture will lead to a formal agreement.
The proposal, mediated by Pakistan, seeks a comprehensive resolution to the ongoing conflict within a 30-day window. Unlike previous temporary arrangements, this initiative aims for a permanent cessation of hostilities. According to the semi-official Iranian news agency Noor News, Tehran’s demands include the lifting of U.S. sanctions, an end to the naval blockade, the withdrawal of U.S. forces from the region, and a halt to Israeli military operations in Lebanon.
Deadlock over the Strait of Hormuz
Tensions remain high in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime artery responsible for the passage of nearly 20% of the world’s oil and natural gas.
While President Trump has proposed a new framework to reopen the waterway, Iranian officials have signaled a hardline stance. On Sunday, Ali Nikzad, Iran’s Deputy Parliament Speaker, asserted that there would be no concessions regarding the strait.
“The Strait of Hormuz belongs to the Islamic Republic of Iran,” Nikzad stated, adding that the waterway would not return to pre-war status.
Tehran has announced it will allow non-U.S. and non-Israeli affiliated vessels to pass upon payment of a “transit toll.” However, Washington has countered with a stern warning, noting that any company paying such fees to Iran could face secondary sanctions.
Economic Crisis Intensifies
The Iranian economy continues to struggle under the weight of a U.S. naval blockade initiated on April 13. The blockade has effectively choked off oil export revenues, leading to a sharp devaluation of the national currency.
On Sunday, the Iranian Rial hit a record low on Tehran’s Ferdowsi Street, trading at 1.8 million Rials to the US Dollar, compared to 1.3 million in December. Reports indicate widespread market volatility, with skyrocketing prices for essential goods and numerous factories refusing to renew labor contracts.
Humanitarian Concerns for Nobel Laureate
Amidst the geopolitical standoff, the Norwegian Nobel Committee has raised an urgent alarm regarding the health of imprisoned Nobel Peace Prize winner Narges Mohammadi.
The 53-year-old human rights lawyer reportedly collapsed twice in prison last Friday. Her legal team believes she may have suffered a heart attack in late March. The Nobel Committee has called for her immediate transfer to a medical facility in Tehran, stating that her life is “in the hands of the Iranian authorities.”
