US President Donald Trump on Monday said the latest proposal for a U.S. ceasefire with Iran is “significant” but “not good enough″ ahead of his fast-approaching deadline for Iran to either reopen the Strait of Hormuz or else face major attacks on its civilian infrastructure.
“They made a proposal, and it’s a significant proposal. It’s a significant step,” Trump told reporters on the White House South Lawn during the traditional Easter Egg Roll.
“It’s not good enough, but it’s a very significant step,” he said, adding, “They’re negotiating now, and they’ve made a very significant step. We’ll see what happens.”
While Trump’s remarks suggested Iran itself had submitted the proposal, Tehran has explicitly rejected any temporary ceasefire, instead calling for a path to end the war permanently.
Iran sent Pakistan, a mediator between Washington and Tehran, an official 10-point response to the U.S. that includes “a protocol for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, reconstruction, and the lifting of sanctions,” according to a translated report from Iranian state media outlet IRNA.
Trump’s latest comments came after a White House official told CNBC Monday morning that the president has not backed a 45-day ceasefire idea that is reportedly in discussion among the two warring nations and regional mediators as of Sunday night.
