Trump Threatens Intensified Bombing if Iran Rejects Peace Deal
President Donald Trump issued a blunt ultimatum to Tehran on Wednesday, CNBC reported, warning that Iran faces bombing “at a much higher level” if it refuses to accept a proposed peace framework.
Trump posted the warning on Truth Social, stating the conflict would end and the Strait of Hormuz would reopen to all shipping if Iran agreed to the terms. He later told PBS the war had a “very good chance of ending.” However, he added that a rejection would force a return to large-scale strikes.
Deal Framework Takes Shape
The proposed agreement, as described by Axios, would require Iran to halt nuclear enrichment activities under a formal moratorium. In exchange, Washington would lift long-standing economic sanctions. Both sides would also relinquish control over ship transits through the Strait of Hormuz, restoring commercial freedom to one of the world’s most critical oil shipping lanes.
An Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson told CNBC that Tehran was “evaluating” a 14-article proposal submitted by the United States. Washington reportedly expects Iran to respond on several key points within 48 hours, forming the basis of an initial one-page agreement. A Pakistani government official told broadcaster MS NOW that a formal proposal to end the war was “very likely in the coming days.” Pakistan has played an active mediation role throughout the conflict.
Background: A Fragile Ceasefire Under Pressure
A ceasefire between the two countries has been in place since April 7, but the pause in hostilities has remained unstable. Earlier this week, Iranian forces attacked U.S. personnel supporting commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran also launched fresh strikes against the United Arab Emirates. The U.S. responded by sinking six Iranian patrol boats that attempted to disrupt shipping. Despite the flare-up, Trump announced Tuesday a pause of “Project Freedom,” the military operation guiding ships through the strait, to allow negotiation space. He described the status of talks as showing “great progress.”
Markets React, Iran Looks to China
Financial markets moved sharply on the deal optimism. Oil prices fell on expectations of restored supply flows. U.S. stock futures climbed, European equities advanced, and global sovereign bonds rallied across the board.
Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi held separate talks Wednesday with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi. Araghchi posted on X that Tehran “trusts China” and reaffirmed Iran’s sovereign rights, signalling Beijing remains a key partner as negotiations with Washington continue.
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