Iran: War or Diplomacy – the Ball is in the US’s Court

TT

Published 2026-05-02 00.01

           

           

        President Donald Trump says the war against Iran is over.

        1 / 2Photo: Matt Rourke/AP/TT

US President Donald Trump claims that the war against Iran “has ended”. However, American military personnel remain in the region and the blockade of Iranian ports continues.

An Iranian military leader sees renewed fighting as likely.

“Hostilities that began on February 28 have ended” as there has been no shelling since April 7, Trump writes in a letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate President-in-Office Chuck Grassley.

Does not trust the US

In the US, only Congress can declare war. The president can only decide on military operations for up to 60 days after Congress has been informed of an operation – a deadline that expired on May 1.

In light of the stalemate in peace talks, a senior Iranian military official said renewed fighting against the United States was “likely.”

“The evidence shows that the United States does not stand by any promises or agreements,” Mohammad Jafar Asadi said at the Khatam al-Anbiya military headquarters on Saturday, according to the state-run Fars news agency.

Iran’s proposal rejected

In another comment on Saturday, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said it was up to the United States whether to negotiate peace or return to full-scale war.

“The ball is in the US’s court to choose the path of diplomacy or continued confrontation,” he said at a meeting with diplomats in Tehran, according to state-run Irib television, adding:

“With a focus on safeguarding its national interests and security, Iran is prepared for both scenarios.”

Tehran submitted a new peace proposal to the United States on Friday via mediator Pakistan. The proposal has been rejected by Trump.

“I am not happy with what they are offering,” he told reporters on Friday.