Iran war Day 65: Trump reviews 14-point peace plan
Iran submitted a 14-point peace proposal to the US. Trump said he would review it but expressed doubt it would be 'acceptable'. As war enters day 65, diplomatic channels have opened, but prospects for a lasting agreement remain weak.
Iran's proposal includes conditions for opening the Strait of Hormuz. The plan also demands the US lift sanctions against Iran and provide economic assistance. Trump clarified these conditions are not 'reasonable' and Iran has not 'paid a large enough price'.
The war's economic costs weigh heavily on both nations. US Iran and Israel operations cost hundreds of millions daily. Unemployment in Iran has risen and production has fallen 30 percent. Yet Trump resists 'giving in'. If Iran 'keeps misbehaving', he threatens resuming strikes.
Diplomacy's failure is highly probable. Israel continues striking Hezbollah in Lebanon to keep pressure on. China makes supportive statements for Iran, demonstrating its influence behind the scenes. Achieving Mideast peace requires balancing the America-China-Iran triangle; this appears very difficult.
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