Trump unlikely to accept Iran’s latest proposal to end war, sources say

President Donald Trump signaled Monday he was unlikely to accept Iran’s latest proposal to end the conflict after Tehran proposed a plan that would reopen the Strait of Hormuz while leaving questions about its nuclear program for later negotiations.

Two people familiar with the matter said Trump conveyed his views during a Monday meeting with top national security officials where Iran was discussed. One of the people said Trump was not likely to accept the plan, which was transmitted to the US over the last few days.

Reopening the strait without resolving questions over Iran’s nuclear enrichment or stockpile of near-bomb-grade uranium could remove a key piece of American leverage in the talks, officials said.

Yet allowing the waterway to remain blocked would prolong the higher energy prices that have caused the cost of gas to spike in the US.

It wasn’t clear after Monday’s meeting what Trump’s next steps would be. American officials say they remain concerned at what they regard as divisions within Iran’s regime, and are unsure who retains ultimate decision-making power over a prospective deal.

Yet Trump has sounded skeptical in public at the idea of restarting the US bombing campaign, which is on hold after he extended a ceasefire last week.

The White House has declined to comment on the specific contours of the negotiations.

“These are sensitive diplomatic discussions and the U.S. will not negotiate through the press. As the President has said, the United States holds the cards and will only make a deal that puts the American people first, never allowing Iran to have a nuclear weapon,” assistant press secretary Olivia Wales said in a statement to CNN.