Iran’s state-run Press TV reports that the government has turned down a set of proposals conveyed by the Trump administration through an intermediary aimed at initiating peace talks. Tehran ridiculed Washington, saying it was “negotiating with itself,” though it had earlier indicated it was reviewing conditions for possible discussions.
Meanwhile, according to two sources, the Pentagon is preparing to deploy troops and equipment from the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East, strengthening the U.S. military presence as President Trump weighs the option of ground operations despite claiming the war has already been won.
As Iran and Israel continue exchanging strikes and the Strait of Hormuz remains largely shut, financial markets appear encouraged by Trump’s optimistic stance. Stocks have risen and oil prices have eased. However, the volatility has also sparked concerns over potential insider trading, following a sudden surge in oil futures activity shortly before Trump announced possible talks with Iran.
Iran’s state-run Press TV on Wednesday outlined a five-point proposal, saying the government had turned down conditions put forward by the Trump administration to end the conflict.
The plan, attributed to a senior political-security official, calls for an end to the targeting of Iranian officials, guarantees against future wars, war reparations, a ceasefire, and recognition of Iran’s “sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz.”
However, demands such as compensation and continued control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz are expected to be unacceptable to Washington, especially as the conflict continues to disrupt global energy supplies.
