Former President Donald Trump asserted on Wednesday that Iran’s president had requested a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict, a claim made via a post on his Truth Social network.
Trump stated that Iran’s “Modern Regime President, much less Radicalized and far more intelligent than his predecessors,” had made the request. This assertion comes despite Iran having the same president, Masoud Pezeshkian, since his inauguration in July 2024, following elections held after the death of Ebrahim Raisi. Pezeshkian, a physician and moderate figure, succeeded Raisi, who died in a helicopter crash in May.
While Trump characterized the communication as a direct request for a ceasefire, Pezeshkian’s public statements indicate a willingness to negotiate an end to hostilities, contingent upon security assurances for Iran. According to Iranian state media, Pezeshkian told European Council President Charles Michel in a phone call on Tuesday that Iran possesses “the necessary will to end this conflict, provided that essential conditions are met – especially the guarantees required to prevent repetition of the aggression.”
Trump did not specify the nature of the communication he referenced, nor did he indicate whether it came directly from Pezeshkian or through other Iranian officials. He linked any consideration of a ceasefire to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global shipping lane. “When Hormuz Strait is open, free and clear,” Trump wrote, “we are considering it.” He then reiterated a threat of military action, stating, “Until then, we are blasting Iran into oblivion or, as they say, back to the Stone Ages!!!”
The former president has set a deadline of April 6 for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and has threatened strikes against Iranian civilian infrastructure, including power plants and desalination facilities, should the deadline pass. These threats follow a period of escalating tensions between the United States and Iran, marked by proxy conflicts in the region and concerns over Iran’s nuclear program.
The White House has not yet responded to Trump’s claims regarding a ceasefire request. The State Department declined to comment on the specifics of Trump’s post, but reiterated its commitment to de-escalation and diplomatic solutions.
European officials have confirmed ongoing diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation, but have not publicly acknowledged any direct request for a ceasefire from Iranian leadership. A spokesperson for the European Council stated that discussions with Iranian officials continue, focusing on regional stability and the need for all parties to exercise restraint.
As of Thursday morning, the Strait of Hormuz remains open to commercial traffic, though increased naval presence from both the United States and Iran has raised concerns about potential disruptions.
