Iran Rejects Trump Peace Offer as Hormuz Standoff Drags Into Week 11
CNBC reported Sunday that President Donald Trump flatly rejected Iran’s counterproposal to end a 10-week war, calling Tehran’s response “totally unacceptable” in a Truth Social post. Iran fired back with a vow to never surrender, pushing the Strait of Hormuz standoff into its third month.
Demands Collide as Talks Break Down
Tehran’s counteroffer included war reparations, full sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz, sanctions removal, and the release of frozen Iranian assets. Washington had pushed for a far-reaching nuclear agreement alongside any ceasefire arrangement. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated publicly that entering dialogue carried no implication of retreat or capitulation. Iranian Army spokesperson Brigadier General Mohammad Akraminia went further, warning of “surprising options” should adversaries miscalculate again.
Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, absent from public view since the conflict began, reportedly issued new military directives through state broadcaster, though no specifics were disclosed.
Nuclear File Remains the Core Sticking Point
On the nuclear question, the two sides remain far apart. The U.S. sought a two-decade moratorium on uranium enrichment and physical dismantlement of Iranian nuclear sites. Iran reportedly offered only a shorter suspension, proposed diluting some of its highly enriched stockpile, and suggested transferring a portion to a third country with a right of return if Washington later exited any agreement. Tehran refused outright to dismantle enrichment facilities.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told CBS News that the conflict remained unfinished. He cited Iran’s continued support for regional proxies and active ballistic missile development as reasons for ongoing military pressure.
Background: Hormuz Closure and the Energy Shock
The Strait of Hormuz carries roughly one-fifth of global oil supply. Its closure since the war began has rattled energy markets for weeks. A Qatari LNG tanker crossed the strait Sunday for the first time since hostilities erupted, reportedly with Iranian approval as a confidence-building gesture toward Qatar and Pakistan. Markets were unimpressed. WTI crude with June delivery climbed more than 3% to $95.42 per barrel Monday. Brent crude with July delivery rose a similar amount, crossing $104.49. Iran also continued weekend drone strikes on Gulf neighbors. The UAE intercepted two Iranian drones. Qatar condemned a strike that hit a cargo ship in its waters. Kuwait reported its air defenses had engaged hostile drones entering its airspace.
Beijing Watches From the Sidelines
The diplomatic breakdown arrives ahead of a high-stakes summit between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Washington has urged Beijing to press Tehran toward a settlement. Whether China will act as a meaningful pressure mechanism on Iran remains an open question with no clear answer yet.
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