US President Donald Trump said Iran has offered a “significant” move toward a ceasefire, even as the Strait of Hormuz deadline approaches and military action carries on.
Trump argued the offer still falls short, stressed that Iran “cannot have nuclear weapons,” and claimed Iranian forces are “not too strong at all” while still calling them “capable fighters.”
Speaking at the White House Easter Egg Roll on the South Lawn, Trump mixed cautious optimism with warnings. Trump confirmed that a 45-day ceasefire proposal is being studied inside the administration but said it has not been cleared, so operations continue. Trump also praised a rare US rescue mission inside Iran that recovered two downed airmen from hostile territory.
Diplomatic movement around Iran ceasefire proposal and Hormuz
Trump told reporters that Tehran had put forward a new idea during indirect talks. “They’ve made a proposal, and it’s a significant proposal… it’s not good enough, but it’s a very significant step,” Trump said, suggesting that negotiations with Iran are active despite clashes and threats linked to the Strait of Hormuz shipping route and regional conflict.
Alongside the comment on the Iran ceasefire proposal, Trump said negotiators from Tehran appeared more pragmatic than earlier. Trump stated that “The people we are negotiating with are reasonable and not as radicalised.” Still, Trump insisted any settlement must block Iran from pursuing nuclear weapons and must deal with Tehran’s role in wider regional fighting.
Iran ceasefire proposal details and mediation by Pakistan
Iran has responded to the American ideas with a set of firm conditions, according to state media. IRNA reported that Tehran delivered its reply through Pakistan, which is serving as an intermediary between the two sides. Iran wants a “permanent end to the war,” secure passage through the Strait of Hormuz, removal of sanctions and pledges on reconstruction before signing any agreement.
A report shared with Axios by US officials said Iran had laid out a 10-point document during the Iran ceasefire proposal discussions. Washington sources described the list as “maximalist” and questioned whether it could unlock real progress. They warned that the wide demands from Tehran might not give negotiators enough common ground to reach a deal by the expected deadline.
Rescue mission in Iran and Trump’s view on Iran ceasefire proposal
During the Easter event, Trump shifted from the Iran ceasefire proposal to the recent military operation. Trump confirmed that US forces had recovered two airmen from inside Iran, calling the mission unusual and dangerous. Highlighting the rescue, Trump said, “What we did yesterday is we picked up not one, we picked up two… it’s something that you rarely see.”
Trump emphasised how unusual such missions are in hostile areas like Iran. Trump said, “Normally when you’re in very hostile territory, and I don’t think it gets much more hostile than Iran… you really don’t have a chance.” Trump repeated that Iranian troops are determined fighters but added, “They’re capable fighters. They’re very tough people… Not so strong like they were about a month ago. I can tell you, in fact, right now they’re not too strong at all, in my opinion.”
As the Strait of Hormuz deadline draws near, Washington and Tehran remain locked in a mix of talks and military moves. The Iran ceasefire proposal, Iran’s 10-point answer, and the ongoing 45-day truce debate show both sides are testing options, while the United States keeps pressure on Iran’s nuclear programme and regional actions.