President Donald Trump said he was not satisfied with a revised peace proposal from Iran delivered through Pakistani mediators this week.
The rejection signals a hardening of the U.S. position during a volatile period of Middle East conflict. The outcome of these negotiations will determine whether the region moves toward a lasting ceasefire or escalates into further military engagements.
Speaking at The Villages Charter School in Florida and during a departure from the White House, Trump said the U.S. blockade of the Strait of Hormuz would "remain in full force" [1]. This stance comes despite his claim that Iran is privately urging the United States to reopen the critical waterway [2].
Trump said the U.S. would carry out "higher level" strikes if Iran did not agree to a deal [3]. While he voiced some optimism that Iran will eventually "make a deal" to end the war [3], the threat of increased military action remains a central part of his strategy.
The current diplomatic friction follows a period of intermittent stability. On April 7, 2026, Trump announced a two-week ceasefire [4]. That announcement occurred on day 39 of the Middle East conflict [4].
The U.S. president continues to use a combination of economic pressure through the blockade and military threats to influence Iranian concessions. The revised proposal from Tehran, sent via Pakistan, has yet to meet the demands of the Trump administration.
“"remain in full force"”
The administration is employing a 'maximum pressure' strategy by pairing a naval blockade with the threat of escalated airstrikes to force Iran into a peace agreement. By claiming Iran is privately requesting the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, the U.S. is attempting to project diplomatic leverage and internal Iranian desperation to the international community.
