Life Support for Mideast Truce as Trump Rejects Iran’s Proposal

President Donald Trump declared on Monday that the ceasefire in the ongoing Middle East conflict is on “life support” following his rejection of Iran’s latest counteroffer. Iran has stated that its military is prepared to respond to any acts of aggression, intensifying the already volatile situation.

Trump’s response to Iran’s position, which came in reaction to a U.S. proposal, led to a surge in oil prices and diminished hopes for a swift agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for commercial shipping.

Trump Criticizes Iran’s Proposal

Describing Iran’s reply as “TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE,” Trump emphasized that the United States aims for a “complete victory” over Iran. He indicated that the ceasefire, which has largely maintained peace in the Gulf for over a month, is nearing its end.

“The ceasefire is on massive life support, where the doctor walks in and says, ‘Sir, your loved one has approximately a one percent chance of living,'” he remarked to reporters.

Iran’s Response and Warnings

In the wake of Trump’s comments, Iranian parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who has previously negotiated with Washington, asserted that Iran’s armed forces are ready to “teach a lesson for any aggression.” He further stated that there is “no alternative” but to accept the terms outlined in Iran’s 14-point proposal, which Trump rejected.

Ghalibaf emphasized the futility of any other approach, warning that delays would only increase costs for American taxpayers.

Impact on Global Energy Markets

These developments have unsettled global energy markets, which are already grappling with the chaos caused by the conflict and the blockades imposed by both Iran and the U.S. around the Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for oil and gas shipments.

Amin Nasser, CEO of Saudi oil giant Aramco, informed investors that the energy supply shock that began earlier this year is unprecedented. He cautioned that it could take months for markets to stabilize, even if the Strait were to reopen immediately. “If its opening is delayed by a few more weeks, then normalization will last into 2027,” he stated.

Humanitarian Concerns

The ongoing conflict also poses significant risks to global food supplies, as a shortage of fertilizer—much of which is sourced from Gulf ports—threatens to exacerbate hunger for millions. Jorge Moreira da Silva, executive director of the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), warned that the world has only a few weeks to avert a potential “massive humanitarian crisis.” He indicated that up to 45 million more people could face hunger and starvation.

While Trump did not elaborate on Iran’s response, Tehran’s foreign ministry has called for an end to the U.S. naval blockade of its ports and a cessation of hostilities across the region, which includes a demand for Israel to halt its strikes against Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Significantly, ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei stated that Iran demands the “release of assets belonging to the Iranian people, which have for years been unjustly trapped in foreign banks.” This demand represents a crucial aspect of Iran’s long-standing efforts to combat economic isolation, extending beyond a mere return to the pre-war status quo established before the U.S. and Israel initiated military actions on February 28.

The lifting of international sanctions would reduce Washington’s leverage over Tehran, complicating efforts to secure a permanent halt to Iran’s nuclear enrichment activities.

Nuclear Concerns and Regional Tensions

The U.S., Israel, and their allies have long accused Iran of pursuing nuclear weapons, a claim that Tehran has consistently denied. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has asserted that the conflict will not conclude until Iran’s nuclear facilities are dismantled.

Reports indicate that Iran’s counterproposal included provisions for diluting some of its highly enriched uranium, with the remainder to be transferred to a third country. Additionally, there are claims that the United Arab Emirates conducted attacks on a refinery located on Iran’s Lavan Island in early April, revealing a previously unknown level of involvement by the Gulf nation in the conflict.

For further details, refer to the source: Times of Dubai.

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Published on 2026-05-12 17:40:00 • By the Editorial Desk