Trump Tells Iran to Abandon Nuclear Ambitions, ‘Chart a New Path Forward’/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Donald Trump cast doubt on prospects for a peace deal with Iran as military tensions escalate. Israel reported killing a key Iranian naval commander linked to the Strait of Hormuz blockade. Oil prices climbed again amid uncertainty over negotiations and continued conflict.
Trump Iran Deal Doubts Quick Looks
- Trump questions chances of Iran peace deal
- Israel claims killing Iranian naval commander
- Oil prices rise amid conflict uncertainty
- Iran preparing for possible Kharg Island attack
- Pakistan acting as mediator between US, Iran
- Vice President Vance defends military campaign
- Gas prices near $4 nationwide
- Iran demands halt to attacks and sovereignty
- US proposes 15-point peace framework
- Conflict risks broader Middle East escalation
Deep Look: Trump Says It’s Up to Iran to Convince US to End the War
President Donald Trump cast fresh doubt Thursday on the possibility of a peace deal with Iran, signaling continued military pressure as tensions in the Middle East intensified and oil prices climbed amid investor concerns about a prolonged conflict.
Speaking during a Cabinet meeting at the White House, Trump emphasized that Iran — not the United States — must take the lead in negotiations to end the war. The president dismissed suggestions that Washington was eager for a diplomatic resolution, instead asserting that Tehran was seeking to reopen talks.
“They are begging to work out a deal,” Trump said, while cautioning that a diplomatic agreement may not materialize. “I don’t know if we’re willing to do that.”
Trump added that Iranian leaders now face a choice: abandon nuclear ambitions permanently or face continued military action. He warned that the United States would maintain strikes if Tehran refuses to change course.
“They now have the chance to permanently abandon their nuclear ambitions and chart a new path forward,” Trump said. “If they don’t, we’re their worst nightmare.”
Israel Says Iranian Naval Commander Killed
Amid the escalating tensions, Israel announced that it killed a senior commander in Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy. The official reportedly played a key role in enforcing the near-total blockade of the Strait of Hormuz — a strategic shipping route responsible for transporting a significant share of global oil supplies.
The development heightened concerns that disruptions to shipping traffic could further drive up oil prices and worsen global economic instability.
Oil markets reacted quickly, with investors expressing doubt about a quick resolution to the conflict. Prices climbed again Thursday as uncertainty grew about diplomatic progress and the potential for further escalation.
Diplomatic Efforts Continue Through Pakistan
Despite the harsh rhetoric, behind-the-scenes diplomatic efforts continue. Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, confirmed that Pakistan is acting as an intermediary between Washington and Tehran.
According to Witkoff, the United States has presented a 15-point peace framework through Pakistani officials. The proposal reportedly addresses Iran’s nuclear ambitions, ballistic missile program, and broader security concerns.
Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also confirmed that Iran is reviewing the proposal. Witkoff described the discussions as “positive,” though he declined to reveal specifics, citing the sensitivity of ongoing negotiations.
Senior Trump administration officials are also reportedly working to arrange a meeting in Pakistan this weekend in hopes of identifying a path toward de-escalation.
Witkoff says Iranians insisted they had the right to enrich uranium
US special envoy Steve Witkoff, second right, speaks during a cabinet meeting at the White House on Thursday.
Special envoy Steve Witkoff said today that Iranian officials insisted they had a right to enrich uranium during negotiations held before the war, leading US officials to conclude they were unwilling to abandon their nuclear ambitions.
“Throughout our meetings with the Iranians, we heard the following from them: ‘the Iranians have the inalienable right to enrich.’ Then we heard they possessed enough 60% enriched material, 460 kilograms, to make 11 atomic bombs,” Witkoff said during a Cabinet meeting at the White House, referring to earlier diplomatic efforts.
“These are incontrovertible signs, among among many other signs,” he added, “that their regime had not given the negotiating team authority to make a deal required by you.”
Iran Expresses Doubts About US Intentions
Iranian officials, however, expressed skepticism about Washington’s willingness to negotiate. Semi-official Iranian media reported that Tehran has “complete doubt” regarding U.S. intentions.
According to sources cited by Iranian media, Tehran has already submitted its response to the U.S. proposal and is awaiting a reply.
Iran reportedly outlined five key demands for ending the conflict, including:
- A halt to military attacks
- An end to targeted assassinations
- Recognition of Iranian sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz
- Security guarantees
- Broader diplomatic concessions
Some Iranian officials also accused Washington of using negotiations as a tactic to buy time for further military planning, including possible operations in southern Iran.
Kharg Island Emerges as Strategic Flashpoint
Concerns also grew over Kharg Island, a major Iranian oil export hub. Sources indicated that Iran is preparing for a possible U.S. operation targeting the island, which serves as a critical economic lifeline for Tehran.
An Iranian military commander warned that any ground invasion would be “dangerous and costly” for opposing forces, suggesting that Tehran is preparing for potential escalation.
Kharg Island’s strategic importance stems from its role in exporting a large portion of Iran’s crude oil, making it a key target in any effort to cripple Iran’s economy.
Vance Defends Military Campaign
Vice President JD Vance defended the war effort, arguing that military action has weakened Iran’s ability to threaten the United States and its allies.
“They don’t have the ability to hit us like they could have even a few weeks ago,” Vance said.
He described the campaign as essential to preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons, calling it the most critical national security objective facing the United States.
Vance also suggested that the military campaign has opened new diplomatic opportunities by weakening Iran’s negotiating position.
Rising Gas Prices Draw Political Attention
As the conflict continues, rising fuel prices are beginning to affect American consumers. The national average price for gasoline climbed to $3.98 per gallon — roughly $1 higher than a month ago.
Despite the increase, Trump downplayed the economic impact, saying the surge was less severe than expected.
“Frankly, I thought the oil prices would go up more,” Trump said, adding that markets may be showing confidence in U.S. leadership.
Still, Americans reported cutting back on spending as fuel costs rose, raising concerns about political fallout ahead of upcoming elections.
Uncertain Path Forward
With military strikes continuing, diplomatic negotiations uncertain, and oil prices rising, the conflict between the United States and Iran appears far from resolution.
“They now have a chance to make a deal,” Trump said. “But that’s up to them.”
As diplomatic channels remain open but fragile, global markets and regional security continue to hinge on whether the two sides can find a path toward de-escalation.
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