Trump Comments on Ceasefire Status
US President Donald Trump stated that the month-long ceasefire between the US and Iran is on "massive life support." Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office on Monday, he acknowledged that while the ceasefire remains in place, it is "unbelievably weak."
Iran's Counter-Offer and US Rejection
On Sunday, Iran presented a counter-offer to the US outlining its demands to end the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Trump dismissed the proposal, describing it as "totally unacceptable" and a "piece of garbage."
Esmail Baghaei, a spokesperson for Iran's foreign ministry, responded by characterizing Tehran's proposals as "responsible" and "generous."
According to Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency, Tehran's offer calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities on all fronts, referencing ongoing Israeli attacks against Iran-supported Hezbollah in Lebanon. The proposal also demands an end to the US naval blockade of Iranian ports and guarantees against further attacks on Iran.
The offer reportedly includes a request for compensation for war damages and emphasizes Iranian sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump's Criticism and Iran's Response
Trump criticized the proposal on Truth Social, stating:
"I have just read the response from Iran's so-called 'Representatives.' I don't like it - TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE."
In reply, Baghaei asserted that Iran would act "in any way necessary to secure our interests."
Details on Ceasefire and Ongoing Tensions
Later on Monday in the Oval Office, Trump addressed the ceasefire, which has largely held since April despite occasional exchanges of fire. He said:
"I would say the ceasefire is on massive life support... when the doctor walks in and says, 'Sir, your loved one has approximately a 1 percent chance of living'."
The US president described Iran's leaders as "very dishonourable people," adding:
"Look, I've had to deal with them four or five times - they change their mind."
He further commented on the Iranian proposal:
"That piece of garbage they sent us - I didn't even finish reading it."
Trump also accused Iran of reneging on an agreement to allow the US to remove its supply of enriched uranium, insisting that Iran would "never have a nuclear weapon."
Contrastingly, Iran's Tasnim news agency quoted a source close to the negotiating team stating:
"There is no such thing in Iran's proposal as accepting taking out enriched nuclear material."
Statements from Trump and Netanyahu
Earlier in the week, Trump reiterated that the war in Iran would be "over quickly."
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized that Iran's stockpile of enriched uranium must be "taken out" before the war can be considered concluded. In an interview on CBS's 60 Minutes, Netanyahu said:
"There's still enrichment sites that have to be dismantled."
US Memorandum and Strategic Context
US news outlet Axios reported that the initial one-page, 14-point US memorandum includes provisions such as suspending Iranian nuclear enrichment, lifting sanctions, and restoring free transit through the Strait of Hormuz. The report cited two US officials and two other sources, all unnamed but described as briefed on the issues. These sources indicated that many terms in the memo would be contingent on a final agreement.
Iran has continued to block the Strait of Hormuz, causing a rise in global oil prices. Approximately 20% of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas typically passes through the strait.
The US has enforced a blockade of Iranian ports to pressure Tehran into accepting its terms, a measure that has angered Iran.
Background on Conflict and Ceasefire
Israeli and US forces initiated extensive air strikes on Iran on 28 February. A ceasefire in the Iran war came into effect last month.
