"Wants a Deal, But It's Not Enough": Trump Pressures Iran Over Negotiation Proposal

[The Financial News, New York City = Reporter Lee Byung-chul] U.S. President Donald Trump publicly voiced dissatisfaction with Iran's latest proposal for ending the war. Although Iran has put forward a new bargaining chip to bring the conflict with the U.S. to an end, Trump's immediate rejection has raised the possibility that the stalled talks could once again turn into a prolonged standoff.
According to major foreign media outlets on the 1st local time, Trump told reporters as he left the White House for Florida, "Iran wants a deal, but I am not satisfied."
Trump blamed the breakdown in talks on confusion within Iran's leadership. He said, "Iran's leadership is very divided," adding, "It is split into two or three groups, maybe four, and they cannot sort things out internally."
He also stressed that the negotiations themselves have not come to a complete halt. Praising Pakistan's mediating role, Trump said, "Phone negotiations are still ongoing."
Still, he drew a line on whether he could accept the proposal. Trump said, "Iran has made some progress, but I do not know whether we can reach a final agreement," and added, "They are asking for things I cannot accept."
The remarks came shortly after Iran delivered a new proposal to the U.S. through Pakistan's mediation channel. Iranian state media and Pakistani government officials confirmed that the latest proposal had already been conveyed to the U.S. side.
Iran is also maintaining its willingness to negotiate. Abbas Araghchi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iran, said Tehran is ready to pursue a diplomatic solution if the U.S. changes its "excessive approach, threatening rhetoric, and provocative actions."
At the same time, Iran is keeping its military readiness in place. Araghchi warned, "The Iranian Armed Forces are ready to defend the country against any threat."
As negotiations and military pressure continue side by side, international oil prices are reacting sensitively. After news of Iran's new proposal emerged, prices edged lower, but they remain above $100 per barrel.
Market watchers see Trump's final decision as a key variable that could shape the future course of the war and the energy market. If Trump accepts the proposal, a ceasefire could lead to an end to the conflict. If he rejects it, analysts say the possibility of further military strikes cannot be ruled out.
Trump has also not ruled out a military option entirely. He reaffirmed his existing strategy of combining negotiations with pressure, saying, "We could completely wipe them out, or we could try to make a deal."
He added, "I would prefer not to do that from a humanitarian standpoint," leaving open the possibility of a diplomatic resolution.\



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