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Ceasefire status in doubt after Trump remarks
US President Donald Trump described the month-long ceasefire with Iran as "on massive life support" during a press briefing in the Oval Office on Monday, casting doubt on its durability.
Trump told reporters the truce remained in effect but was "unbelievably weak," likening it to a patient with "approximately a 1 percent chance of living." He accused Iranian leaders of being "very dishonourable" and claimed they had repeatedly changed their positions during negotiations.
Iranian officials respond with defiance
Iranian parliamentary speaker Mohammad Ghalibaf countered Trump's assessment on X, stating that Iran's armed forces were "ready to respond and teach a lesson for any aggression." He insisted there was "no alternative" to accepting Iran's 14-point proposal, warning that delays would increase costs for American taxpayers.
Foreign ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei called Iran's counter-offer "responsible and generous," vowing Tehran would act "in any way necessary to secure our interests" after Trump dismissed the proposal as "totally unacceptable."
Key demands in Iran's counter-proposal
According to Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency, Tehran's offer includes an immediate end to hostilities on all fronts-including Israeli strikes on Hezbollah in Lebanon-a halt to the US naval blockade of Iranian ports, and guarantees against future attacks on Iran. The proposal also demands compensation for war damages and reaffirms Iranian sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump rejected the document outright, telling reporters he "didn't even finish reading it" and calling it a "piece of garbage." A source close to Iran's negotiating team denied the proposal included any provision for removing enriched uranium, contradicting Trump's claim that Iran had reneged on such an agreement.
Nuclear dispute remains central
Trump reiterated that Iran would "never have a nuclear weapon," while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insisted Iran's enriched uranium stockpile must be "taken out" before the conflict could be resolved. Netanyahu told CBS's 60 Minutes that enrichment sites still needed to be dismantled.
Axios reported that the initial US memorandum-a one-page, 14-point document-called for suspending Iranian nuclear enrichment, lifting sanctions, and restoring free transit through the Strait of Hormuz. However, sources briefed on the talks said many terms were contingent on a final agreement.
Strait of Hormuz tensions escalate
Iran's continued blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas, has driven up energy prices. The US has enforced a counter-blockade on Iranian ports, further straining negotiations.
The conflict began on February 28 with joint US-Israeli airstrikes on Iran. A ceasefire took effect last month, but sporadic clashes have persisted.
