Trump Rejects Iran's Peace Proposal, Says the Country Faces Leadership Crisis
Efforts at peace between the United States and Iran have hit another roadblock after President Donald Trump expressed dissatisfaction with Tehran’s latest proposal. Iran's proposal suggests that discussions on the nuclear program be postponed until the war ends and the maritime dispute in the Gulf is resolved, while Trump insists that nuclear issues should be addressed from the start. In his statement on Truth Social, Trump cited what he claimed was a message from Iran saying the country is in a "State of Collapse" and called for the Strait of Hormuz to be opened as soon as possible to resolve leadership issues. Iran itself has not yet given an official response.
The negotiation dynamics have grown even more complex following the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on the first day of the war, who has been succeeded by his son, Mojtaba Khamenei. This succession is believed to strengthen the influence of hardline commanders from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, making Iran’s stance in talks tougher. Plans for a visit by U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Pakistan have also been canceled, while Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has been actively shuttling to Islamabad with proposals.
The war that began on February 28 has led to Iran restricting ship traffic in the Strait of Hormuz and a U.S. blockade of Iranian vessels. The impact is being felt in the global energy market, with Brent crude prices rising nearly 3% to around US$111 per barrel. The World Bank estimates that energy prices could spike by up to 24% by 2026 if disruptions continue. Tensions are also rising among Gulf oil-producing countries, highlighted by reports that the United Arab Emirates is withdrawing from OPEC and OPEC+.
https://www.gelora.co/2026/04/