ALBAWABA- US President Donald Trump said Monday that the fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran is on “massive life support” after rejecting Tehran’s latest response to a US-backed peace proposal.
Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump described the ceasefire as “unbelievably weak” and dismissed Iran’s counterproposal as “totally unacceptable.” He said the document failed to address Washington’s core demands regarding Iran’s nuclear program, particularly its stockpile of enriched uranium. “I didn’t even finish reading it,” Trump said, referring to the Iranian proposal, which he described as “garbage” and “stupid.”
On Sunday, Trump wrote on Truth Social that he had reviewed the response from Iran’s representatives and accused Tehran of “playing games with the United States and the rest of the world.”
Iran reportedly delivered its response through Pakistani mediators on Sunday. According to reports, Tehran’s proposal called for a comprehensive halt to hostilities across the region, including in Lebanon involving Hezbollah, alongside the lifting of US sanctions, the release of frozen Iranian assets, an end to the US naval blockade, recognition of Iranian sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz, and compensation for war-related damages.
Iranian officials described the proposal as “reasonable and generous,” while insisting the country would not yield to external pressure.
The ceasefire, brokered by Pakistan in early April 2026, has remained fragile amid intermittent military exchanges, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy corridor. Renewed uncertainty surrounding the truce pushed Brent crude prices above $103 per barrel on Monday amid fears of further disruptions to oil shipments.
The standoff comes days before Trump is expected to hold a high-level meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, where the Iran crisis is expected to dominate discussions. Washington has reportedly urged Beijing to use its influence over Tehran, reduce purchases of Iranian oil, and help ensure maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz.
China remains Iran’s largest oil customer and a key diplomatic partner, placing Beijing in a potentially influential position as tensions continue. US officials said Trump has also reviewed possible military and security responses with national security advisers, including options involving expanded naval operations in the Gulf region.
