The ceasefire between the United States and Iran reached a precarious point on Monday as President Donald Trump declared the agreement on 'massive life support' after rejecting Tehran's latest peace offer. Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump described Iran's response to his proposal as a 'piece of garbage,' adding that he 'didn't even finish reading it.'
Iran's Demands and U.S. Response
According to a person familiar with the matter, Iran's counterproposal demanded the lifting of Washington's naval blockade and sanctions relief, while maintaining a degree of control over traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. Trump did not indicate whether the U.S. would resume military attacks on Iran, as he previously threatened if the Islamic Republic's leadership did not agree to his terms. Earlier Monday, Trump told Fox News he was considering reviving a plan to escort ships through the vital waterway.
Diplomatic Possibilities and Nuclear Concerns
Despite the harsh rhetoric, Trump acknowledged that a diplomatic solution was 'very possible.' He also repeated his unsubstantiated claim that Iranian leaders 'intend to give us the nuclear dust.' However, there has been no public indication during the 10-week war that Tehran is willing to back down, including on its insistence on maintaining a nuclear program.
Global and Domestic Implications
The developments mark the latest failure by Trump to resolve the conflict, which has triggered a global energy crisis and poses significant domestic political risks for him and the Republican Party. The war has also strained relations with China, with Trump scheduled to meet President Xi Jinping in Beijing later this week. 'There's no pressure at all,' Trump insisted. 'We're going to have a complete victory.'
Economic Impact and Military Options
Oil prices rose, with Brent crude nearing $105 a barrel, as Trump's comments underscored the fragility of the ceasefire. The administration is considering measures to ease the pain for consumers, including a gasoline tax holiday. Tehran has insisted that any agreement result in an immediate end to fighting, including in Lebanon, where Israel is waging a parallel war against Hezbollah. Trump is meeting with his national security team to discuss possible resumption of military action, according to Axios. The Strait of Hormuz remains largely blocked, disrupting energy exports from Iran and other Persian Gulf countries.
