U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly unhappy with the latest Iranian proposal to end the war because it suggests that negotiators hold nuclear talks at an unspecified later date instead of as part of the initial deal, Reuters reported on April 28, citing a U.S. official. The report came a day after White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said U.S. President Donald Trump was discussing the Iranian proposal during a Situation Room meeting with aides.

Why It Matters: The Iranian proposal is highly likely to face U.S. pushback not only because of the absence of nuclear concessions, but also because Iran's conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz would solidify its influence over the strait. Even so, the proposal suggests that Iran is offering a possible off-ramp for the Trump administration to de-escalate the conflict. Though unlikely, if negotiators agree to the proposal, Iran would maintain significant leverage over Gulf countries due to its control over the Strait of Hormuz. But without negotiations over Iran's nuclear program, the drivers for the U.S.-Iran conflict would remain, creating a risk that over time, the United States and/or Israel would target Iran and its nuclear program again.

In an April 27 Fox News interview, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio rejected any prospects of the Strait of Hormuz opening under Iranian conditions, including tolls and coordination with Iranian authorities. In the same interview, Rubio said Iran's nuclear program remains the "core issue."