President Donald Trump said Monday that a new ceasefire proposal from Iran is a “significant step” toward ending the conflict, but he made it clear the offer does not go far enough.
Speaking to reporters on the White House South Lawn during the annual Easter Egg Roll, Trump addressed the latest developments in the five-week-old war between the United States and Iran. The fighting began on February 28, and one of the biggest points of tension is control of the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway that is critical for global oil shipping.
“They made a proposal, and it’s a significant proposal. It’s a significant step,” Trump said. “It’s not good enough, but it’s a very significant step. They’re negotiating now, and we’ll see what happens.”
Trump emphasized that he alone would decide if and when a ceasefire takes effect. “The only one that’s going to set a ceasefire is me,” he stated.
The proposal reportedly includes a 45-day ceasefire and was being discussed among Iran, the United States, and regional mediators, including Pakistan. According to Iranian state media, Tehran sent a 10-point response that calls for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, reconstruction efforts, and the lifting of U.S. sanctions. However, Iran has publicly rejected the idea of a short-term ceasefire and instead wants a permanent end to the war.
A White House official told reporters earlier Monday that Trump has not approved the 45-day ceasefire idea. “This is one of many ideas, and [Trump] has not signed off on it,” the official said, adding that “Operation Epic Fury continues.”
Trump has set a firm deadline for Iran: reopen the Strait of Hormuz by 8 p.m. ET on Tuesday or face major U.S. strikes on Iranian infrastructure, including bridges and power plants. In a strongly worded social media post on Sunday, Trump warned that Tuesday could become “Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one.”
The Strait of Hormuz has been effectively closed since the war started, disrupting oil shipments and raising concerns about energy prices worldwide.
Trump is scheduled to hold a press conference at the White House starting at 1 p.m. ET, where he is expected to provide more details on the situation.
The conflict remains fluid, with both sides continuing to negotiate even as the deadline approaches. For now, the president appears determined to keep up the pressure on Iran until the Strait is reopened.
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