President Donald Trump said the ceasefire with Iran is “on life support,” warning that peace talks are stalled and a return to open conflict remains possible. Speaking to reporters before departing the White House for a state visit to China, President Trump stated, “We’ll see what happens with Iran,” and emphasized that the United States will only accept a deal that benefits Americans. He added that his team would discuss Iran during the upcoming flight to Beijing, where he is expected to urge Chinese President Xi Jinping to use China’s economic influence over Iran to press for further concessions.
According to The Associated Press, President Trump rejected Iran’s latest counterproposal, describing it as “garbage” and “TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE.” He claimed that Iran’s offer did not include sufficient nuclear concessions, particularly regarding the removal of highly enriched uranium from the country. Trump also accused Iran of reversing its prior willingness to allow U.S. experts to help extract enriched uranium, saying, “They changed their mind because they didn’t put it in the paper.”
Iran has maintained that its nuclear program is peaceful and insists on the right to enrich uranium. Two regional officials told the Associated Press that Iran offered to dilute part of its enriched uranium stockpile and send the remainder to a third country—possibly Russia—but President Trump has demanded full removal of the material. Iran’s proposal also called for the U.S. to formally recognize its control over the Strait of Hormuz, the lifting of all sanctions, and war reparations from Washington, demands which are unlikely to be accepted by the U.S. or the international community.
The ceasefire breakdown comes as the war has cost the United States $29 billion so far, and global fuel prices have surged, with oil trading above $100 a barrel and the average U.S. gas price exceeding $4.50 per gallon. President Trump has proposed suspending the federal gasoline tax to provide relief but told reporters, “I don’t think about Americans’ financial situation… We cannot let Iran have a nuclear weapon, that’s all.” He predicted that fuel prices would “drop like a rock” once hostilities end.
Efforts to secure peace have been supported by Pakistani mediators, but a breakthrough remains elusive. The United Kingdom and France have increased naval deployments to secure shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has largely closed since the start of the war, further disrupting global energy markets. Meanwhile, Iran continues to demand an end to the American blockade and ongoing sanctions before any further negotiations.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a recent interview that Israel and the United States may resume military operations if Iran does not remove its nuclear material, stating, “If that can’t be accomplished with negotiations, we can reengage them militarily.” Fighting between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah also continues, despite a nominal ceasefire in southern Lebanon.
On the diplomatic front, Iran’s ambassador to China suggested Beijing could help reduce tensions, while U.S. officials remain skeptical that China will pressure Iran to compromise. President Trump told reporters, “We’ll win it [with Iran] peacefully or otherwise,” and said he would have a “long talk” about the matter with President Xi.
As the standoff continues, Pakistan and other regional actors are still working behind the scenes to broker dialogue. However, a major decision on the U.S. approach to Iran is not expected until after President Trump’s visit to China. For now, the situation remains tense, with the risk of renewed conflict and the global energy crisis unresolved.
Sources: The Associated Press, CNN, KCRA
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