Iran submits revised war-ending proposal as Trump postpones military strikes, but US deems offer insufficient

May 19, 2026

Iran submitted a revised war-ending proposal on May 18, 2026 through Pakistani intermediaries that includes a long-term nuclear program suspension, transfer of highly enriched uranium to Russia, and phased reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, prompting President Trump to postpone May 20 military strikes. However, senior U.S. officials deem the offer insufficient, particularly objecting to Iranian insistence on maintaining tolls and control over the strait. The conflict, which began February 28, 2026, has killed at least 3,636 people including 1,701 civilians, while Iran faces economic crisis and has arrested over 4,000 people and executed 26 political prisoners. Trump faces domestic pressure as midterm elections approach in November 2026, with White House officials worried that fuel prices and the Iran gamble could cost Republicans control of Congress.

Trump postponement announcement

▪Iran stepped up attacks on the United Arab Emirates in May 2026 after Donald Trump announced a naval mission to open the strait of Hormuz.
▪Donald Trump suspended the naval mission to open the strait of Hormuz after 48 hours.
▪Donald Trump postponed a planned military attack on Iran that was scheduled for May 20, 2026.
▪Donald Trump was expected to meet national security advisers on May 19, 2026 to discuss options for resuming military action against Iran.
▪The war in the Middle East started on February 28, 2026.
▪Donald Trump stated that the leaders of Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia asked the United States to postpone the military attack on Iran because of ongoing negotiations.

Iranian proposal details

▪Iran's foreign military spokesperson Esmail Baghaei stated that Pakistan shared Tehran's latest proposal with the United States.
▪Iran submitted a new proposal for a deal to end the war in the Middle East on May 18, 2026.
▪The semi-official Tasnim news agency reported on May 18, 2026 that the United States agreed to waive sanctions on Tehran's oil exports during the negotiation period.

Negotiation obstacles

▪The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps threatened on May 18, 2026 to impose permits on internet cables passing through the strait of Hormuz.

Domestic pressures both sides

▪White House officials worry that Donald Trump's foreign policy gamble in Iran and its effect on US fuel prices may derail Republican chances of keeping control of Congress.
▪Donald Trump held talks with Chinese president Xi Jinping in Beijing without securing an indication from China that it would help resolve the Iran conflict.
▪Donald Trump faces midterm elections in November 2026 that could go badly for the Republican party.

Human rights violations

▪The Human Rights Activists news agency documented at least 3,636 fatalities, including 1,701 civilians, due to US-Israeli attacks on Iran in the war.
▪The Human Rights Activists news agency documented at least 4,023 arrests in Iran between February 28, 2026 and May 9, 2026.
▪Iran executed 14 men charged over January 2026 protests since the start of the war.

Lebanon conflict continuation

▪A 45-day ceasefire extension between Lebanon and Israel is in effect after a third round of US-hosted talks.
▪Donald Trump first announced a US-backed truce between Lebanon and Israel on April 16, 2026.
▪Israel carried out new airstrikes in southern Lebanon on May 18, 2026.
▪Hezbollah announced new attacks on Israeli forces on May 18, 2026.