American President Donald Trump has sharply rejected Iran’s latest response to a US proposal aimed at ending the ongoing conflict, calling it “totally unacceptable” in a post on Truth Social.
Iran’s proposal, sent through Pakistan acting as a mediator, reportedly called for an immediate end to fighting on all fronts, a halt to the US naval blockade, and guarantees that no further attacks would be carried out against Iran. While a ceasefire introduced last month has mostly held, occasional exchanges of fire have kept tensions high, according to BBC News.
Despite Trump’s claim earlier this week that the war would end “quickly,” key differences remain unresolved. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has insisted that Iran’s nuclear capabilities must be fully dismantled before any lasting peace can be achieved. “There are still enrichment sites that have to be dismantled,” he said in an interview, stressing that Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium must be eliminated.
Iran, however, has shown no sign of backing down. President Masoud Pezeshkian declared that negotiations would not mean surrender. “We will never bow our heads before the enemy,” he said.
At the center of the crisis is the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow but crucial waterway through which about one-fifth of the world’s oil passes. Iran has continued to disrupt traffic there, warning ships of “severe consequences” if they fail to comply with its demands. Some vessels have already been attacked, adding to global fears and pushing oil prices higher.
Meanwhile, the United States has tightened pressure by enforcing a blockade on Iranian ports, a move that has further angered Tehran. The situation has drawn in other nations as well. The UK and France are discussing plans for a future international mission to protect shipping in the region, though Iran has warned it would respond immediately to any foreign military presence.
Recent incidents highlight how fragile the situation remains. A cargo ship near Qatar was hit by a projectile, drones entered Kuwaiti airspace, and the UAE intercepted two drones reportedly coming from Iran.
As defense officials from more than 40 countries prepare to meet and discuss securing the vital shipping route, the risk of escalation remains high. Trump has warned that if Iran refuses to accept a deal, the conflict could intensify dramatically.
