Trump Rejects Iran’s Peace Response as Oil Prices Climb
The BBC reported Sunday that President Donald Trump has flatly rejected Iran’s response to a US Iran peace proposal, posting on Truth Social that Tehran’s reply was “TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE.” Oil prices climbed further on the news, with the Strait of Hormuz still effectively closed to international shipping.
Talks Collapse Over Key Sticking Points
Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency said Tehran’s counter-proposal, delivered through Pakistani mediators, called for an immediate halt to all hostilities. It also demanded an end to the US naval blockade of Iranian ports and firm guarantees against future strikes on Iranian territory.
Axios reported separately that the original US memorandum ran to 14 points. It included a suspension of Iranian nuclear enrichment activities, sanctions relief, and the restoration of commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Many of those conditions were reportedly contingent on a final deal being reached.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian did not acknowledge his government’s proposal publicly. He said negotiations, if they occur, would not represent any form of surrender by Tehran.
Background: A War Now in Its Third Month
US and Israeli forces launched major air strikes against Iran on 28 February. A ceasefire took effect last month and has held, largely, despite sporadic exchanges of fire along various fronts. Trump had said this week the conflict would conclude “over quickly.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu struck a harder line during a CBS 60 Minutes interview. He said Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile must be eliminated before the war can be declared over. In a notable statement on foreign aid, Netanyahu also said Israel should phase out its $3.8 billion annual US military stipend over the coming decade.
Hormuz Closure Rattles Energy Markets
The Strait of Hormuz normally carries roughly one-fifth of global oil and natural gas supplies. Tehran has used its leverage over the waterway as a central bargaining chip. Iran’s military spokesman warned vessels against crossing the strait without Tehran’s prior clearance, threatening severe consequences for non-compliance.
The UK announced it was dispatching a Royal Navy warship to the region, though Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said any deployment would follow a ceasefire. France’s Emmanuel Macron clarified Paris was not planning a naval mission but a security operation coordinated with Iran. Tehran warned both countries of a swift response to any deployment. Separately, a bulk carrier was struck by an unknown projectile near Qatar, causing a small fire but no injuries.
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