President Donald Trump has rejected Iran’s response to a US proposal aimed at ending the war, calling Tehran’s position “totally unacceptable” as tensions continue around the Strait of Hormuz, nuclear enrichment and competing demands from Israel and Iran.
Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency reported Tehran sent its proposal through Pakistan, which has acted as a mediator. The Iranian offer reportedly calls for an immediate end to the war on all fronts, a stop to the US naval blockade of Iranian ports and guarantees against further attacks on Iran.
The ceasefire introduced last month to support talks has largely held, despite sporadic exchanges of fire. The war began after Israeli and US forces launched large-scale airstrikes on Iran on Feb. 28.
Trump Rejects Tehran’s Proposal
Trump responded on Truth Social after reviewing Iran’s position.
“I have just read the response from Iran’s so-called ‘Representatives.’ I don’t like it – TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE.”
Earlier this week, Trump repeated his claim that the war in Iran will be “over quickly.”
Iranian state media said Tehran’s proposal also seeks compensation for war damage and stresses Iranian sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz. On Sunday, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian did not directly mention the proposal, but said: “We will never bow our heads before the enemy, and if talk of dialogue or negotiation arises, it does not mean surrender or retreat.”
Netanyahu Says Iran Uranium Must Be “Taken Out”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile must be “taken out” before the war ends.
“There’s still enrichment sites that have to be dismantled,” Netanyahu said on CBS’s 60 Minutes.
Axios reported the US proposal is a one-page, 14-point memorandum that includes suspending Iranian nuclear enrichment, lifting sanctions and restoring free transit through the Strait of Hormuz. The outlet cited two US officials and two other unnamed sources briefed on the matter, who said several terms depend on a final agreement.
Strait of Hormuz Blockade Raises Oil Concerns
Iran’s continued obstruction of the strategic strait has pushed global oil prices higher. About 20 per cent of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas normally moves through the waterway.
The US has enforced a blockade of Iranian ports to pressure Tehran, angering Iranian officials. Military spokesman Mohammad Akraminia warned vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz of “severe consequences” unless they co-operate with Tehran first, according to Irna.
The US holds a major military presence across the Gulf, with bases in Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Oman. On Saturday, Britain announced the Royal Navy would send a warship to the Middle East, where it might join an international mission to protect shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
Netanyahu also told CBS he wants to reduce American military support for Israel to zero over time.
“We receive $3.8 billion a year. And I think that it’s time that we weaned ourselves from the remaining military support,” he said, adding: “Let’s start now and do it over the next decade.”
