Hopes for a peace agreement between the United States and Iran weakened further after US President Donald Trump dismissed Tehran’s latest response to Washington’s ceasefire proposal as “garbage”, while Iran reiterated demands that included an end to the US naval blockade and recognition of its sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz.
Speaking to reporters, Trump said the ceasefire announced on April 7 was now “on life support” after reviewing Iran’s counterproposal.
“I would call it the weakest right now, after reading that piece of garbage they sent us. I didn’t even finish reading it,” Trump said, adding that Tehran’s response had threatened the future of the truce.
The sharp exchange underscored growing tensions between the two countries as fighting and economic pressure continue to unsettle global energy markets and raise fears of a wider regional conflict.
Iran has demanded an end to military action across the region, including in Lebanon where Israel continues operations against Hezbollah fighters backed by Tehran. Iranian officials also called for compensation for war-related damage, the lifting of the US blockade and recognition of Iran’s authority over the Strait of Hormuz.
The United States had initially proposed halting hostilities before beginning negotiations on contentious issues such as Iran’s nuclear programme.
Meanwhile, the Pentagon said the cost of the conflict had risen to $29 billion, up by $4 billion compared to estimates released last month.
