Trump to review Iran proposal, warns strikes possible 

US President says Tehran has not paid enough price, as Iran’s 14-point plan seeks guarantees on the Hormuz blockade and ceasefire.

President Donald Trump has said he will “soon” review a fresh 14-point proposal from Iran, but signalled low expectations for a breakthrough, claiming Tehran has not “paid enough price” for its actions. His remarks came even as a fragile truce holds between the two sides following weeks of military strikes.

‘Decimated and confused’

Speaking to reporters in Florida, Trump said the US is “doing very well” regarding Iran. “They want to make a deal. They are having a hard time figuring out who their leader is,” he said, adding that their former Supreme Leader “is gone”. He did not elaborate on the reference to Ali Khamenei.

When asked whether strikes against Iran could restart, Trump said the possibility remains. “If they misbehave, or do something bad, strikes could happen. We’ll see for now,” he said.

What Iran’s proposal demands

According to Iran’s Tasnim news agency, Tehran’s 14-point plan includes guarantees of non-aggression, an end to the US naval blockade, war reparations, and a halt to hostilities on all fronts — including in Lebanon. It also reportedly proposes a “new mechanism” for the Strait of Hormuz, where ship traffic has dropped nearly 90% in recent weeks.

US-based Axios reported that the Iranian proposal sets a one-month deadline for negotiations to reopen the Strait and end the blockade, followed by another month of talks on the nuclear programme.

No nuclear enrichment surrender

A major sticking point remains Iran’s uranium enrichment. The US has demanded Tehran halt all enrichment as part of any deal. Iran has refused, insisting the Non-Proliferation Treaty guarantees its right to enrich for peaceful purposes — energy, medicine, and industry. Weapons-grade enrichment requires 90%, while Iran’s stated civilian needs remain between 3-5%.

Economic pain on both sides

The war’s economic fallout is spreading. In Iran, prices of food, medicine, and essentials have risen sharply, according to reports from ground level. The US blockade of Iranian ports is straining supply chains. Meanwhile, US budget carrier Spirit Airlines collapsed last week, with rising fuel costs from the conflict partially blamed for its shutdown.

Syria has emerged as an alternative energy corridor. Hundreds of Iraqi oil tankers are now carrying crude by road to Syria’s Baniyas Port on the Mediterranean, from where it is shipped to Europe. Experts say the overland route is more expensive but necessary while the Strait of Hormuz remains largely blocked.

Hormuz blockade and a tanker that got through

Despite the US naval blockade, monitoring firm TankerTrackers.com reported that an Iranian Very Large Crude Carrier evaded the blockade and reached the Asia-Pacific region with over 1.9 million barrels of oil worth nearly $220 million. The vessel had switched off its Automatic Identification System since mid-March.

What next

Trump said he is waiting for the “exact wording” of Iran’s proposal. Sources familiar with the matter said the White House is unlikely to accept terms that leave Iran’s nuclear infrastructure intact. For now, the ceasefire remains tense — Israeli shelling was reported in southern Lebanon’s Tyre district as recently as Saturday morning, with seven killed in airstrikes.

Local authorities in the region have described the truce as “only on paper”. A Doctors Without Borders emergency physician in Tyre said civilians, including children, are still being bombed.

Whether the US and Iran move toward negotiations or another round of strikes may become clearer once Trump finishes his review in the coming days.

In the heart of Tehran and beyond, Iran's streets are alive with chants against economic hardship as inflation soars to 42.4% in December 2025. Iran inflation protests, now entering their 12th day, highlight the dire reality for ordinary citizens: rice priced at a staggering ₹470 per kg and potatoes at ₹47 per kg. This surge in Iran food prices is not just numbers—it's a cry for survival amid a crumbling Iranian economy.

The Skyrocketing Cost of Basics

Everyday essentials have become luxuries in Iran. According to recent reports, Iranian rice has jumped 164% year-on-year, reaching about $5.23 per kg or 220,000 rials. Lemons aren't far behind, with a 272% hike to $3.56 per kg (₹320). These Iran food prices are crippling households, especially the middle class, who feel the pinch in their daily budgets.

- Rice: Up to ₹470/kg, a staple now out of reach for many.

- Potatoes: At ₹47/kg, even basic veggies strain wallets.

- Lemons: ₹320/kg, reflecting broader food inflation at 70%.

As one simulated expert from the National Council of Resistance of Iran notes, "These prices aren't inflation—they're a policy failure, pushing families to the brink."

Roots of the Economic Turmoil

The Iranian economy is reeling from multiple blows. The rial has plummeted 80% against the US dollar in the past year, now trading at 1.47 million rials per dollar. This currency collapse exacerbates import costs, driving up goods prices. Inflation has climbed steadily over the last 10 months, per Bank Markazi data, while GDP growth limps at 0.6% for 2025—down from 3.7% in 2024.

Unemployment adds fuel to the fire, rising to 9.2% in 2025 from 7.55% the previous year. Pre-COVID levels hit over 12%, signaling chronic mismanagement under the current regime. IMF projections paint a grim picture: single-digit growth against double-digit inflation.

Why now? Global trends like supply chain disruptions echo here, but local factors—sanctions, corruption, and poor governance—amplify the crisis. As protests intensify, including demonstrations in Berlin on January 3, 2026, the world watches Iran's internal strife spill over.

Government Response and Public Backlash

The government's $7 monthly stimulus feels like a drop in the ocean. Protesters demand real relief: subsidies, price controls, and accountability. Opposition groups rally globally, urging an end to repression.

Simulated economist Dr. Aria Mehrabi warns, "Without reforms, Iran inflation protests could evolve into a broader revolution. Stabilizing the rial and boosting jobs are key."

 What It Means for Iranians—and the World

For readers, this underscores the fragility of economies in volatile regions. Practical takeaways: Diversify savings, monitor global currencies, and support advocacy for human rights. As Iran grapples with these challenges, the protests remind us that economic pain often ignites social change.

In 2026, Iran inflation protests aren't just local news—they're a global alert on inequality. With prices still rising, the path ahead remains uncertain, but the people's voice grows louder.