Trump Declares Iran Ceasefire ‘On Life Support’ Following Rejection of Tehran’s Proposal
President Donald Trump stated on Monday that the ceasefire with Iran is “on life support” after he dismissed Tehran’s response to a U.S. peace proposal. This development raises concerns about a potential resurgence of hostilities in a conflict that has persisted for ten weeks, resulting in thousands of casualties and disrupting critical energy supplies.
U.S. Proposal and Iran’s Response
Days after the U.S. presented a proposal aimed at reopening negotiations, Iran issued a response on Sunday that sought to address the war on multiple fronts, including Lebanon, where U.S. ally Israel is engaged in conflict with Iran-backed Hezbollah. Trump’s immediate rejection of the Iranian response was emphatic.
He described the Iranian communication as “the weakest right now” and criticized it harshly, stating, “I didn’t even finish reading it.”
Iran’s response included demands for compensation for war damages, a reaffirmation of its sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz, and calls for the U.S. to end its naval blockade, guarantee no further attacks, lift sanctions, and remove restrictions on Iranian oil sales. The U.S. had proposed a cessation of hostilities as a precondition for discussions on more contentious issues, including Iran’s nuclear program.
Iran’s Justification for Its Demands
In defense of its position, Tehran asserted that its demands were legitimate. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei emphasized the need for an end to the war, the lifting of the U.S. blockade, and the release of Iranian assets frozen due to U.S. pressure. He characterized Iran’s demands for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz and regional security as a “generous and responsible offer.”
The ongoing deadlock has had significant implications for global oil markets. Brent crude oil futures rose by 2.7 percent, reaching approximately $104 per barrel, as the situation in the Strait of Hormuz remains precarious.
Impact on Global Oil Supply
Before the conflict began on February 28, the Strait of Hormuz was a critical conduit for one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas. The near-closure of this vital waterway has led to a reduction in oil exports, with OPEC’s output dropping to its lowest levels in over two decades, according to a recent Reuters survey.
Shipping Through the Strait of Hormuz
Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has dwindled significantly since the onset of the war. Recent shipping data indicated that only three tankers laden with crude managed to exit the waterway last week, with tracking devices turned off to avoid detection by Iranian forces. A second Qatari LNG tanker attempted to transit the strait, following the first such cargo that crossed under an agreement involving Iran and Pakistan.
Sporadic flare-ups in the region have tested the ceasefire that has held since early April. In the U.S., public sentiment regarding the war appears to be unfavorable, particularly as voters face rising gasoline prices ahead of nationwide elections that could impact Republican control of Congress.
International Support and Diplomatic Efforts
The U.S. has encountered challenges in garnering international support for its stance, with NATO allies hesitant to send naval vessels to reopen the waterway without a comprehensive peace agreement. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is scheduled to hold talks in Qatar on Tuesday, focusing on the conflict and ensuring navigational safety in the strait.
Upcoming Discussions in Beijing
The next steps in diplomatic or military strategy remain uncertain. Trump is set to arrive in Beijing on Wednesday, where discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping will likely include the situation in Iran. The U.S. has been urging China to leverage its influence to encourage Tehran to negotiate a deal.
Baghaei suggested that China might instead use the opportunity to counter U.S. objectives in the Gulf. He stated that “our Chinese friends know very well how to use these opportunities to warn about the consequences of the U.S.’ illegal and bullying actions on regional peace and security.”
In remarks aired on Sunday, Trump indicated that while combat operations against Iran may have diminished, he did not believe they were entirely over. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu echoed this sentiment, asserting that the conflict was ongoing and that further actions were necessary to address Iran’s nuclear capabilities and its support for proxy forces.
Despite a U.S.-brokered ceasefire announced on April 16, clashes have continued in southern Lebanon between Israel and Hezbollah, underscoring the fragile nature of the current situation.
Source: www.arnnewscentre.ae
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Published on 2026-05-11 05:56:00 • By the Editorial Desk
