Trump Rejects Iran Peace Response as Strait of Hormuz Talks Stall
NBC News reported Sunday that President Donald Trump publicly dismissed Iran’s reply to a U.S. peace overture, calling it “totally unacceptable” in a Truth Social post. The rejection extended a weeks-long diplomatic impasse over the Strait of Hormuz and pushed crude prices higher once more.
Trump Slams Tehran’s Counteroffer
Trump wrote that he had read Iran’s response, delivered through Pakistani mediators, and flatly declared he did not like it. He offered no specifics about the contents. The blunt public rebuke came even as lower-level diplomacy continued between Washington and Tehran behind the scenes.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright told NBC News’ *Meet the Press* that the administration was still waiting for a clear resolution from Iran. Wright outlined two core U.S. demands: unimpeded commercial navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and a full halt to Iran’s nuclear program. He added that energy prices would fall once maritime traffic through the strait resumed freely.
Also Read: What Closing the Strait of Hormuz Means for Global Oil Supply
Ceasefire in Name Only
A temporary ceasefire reached more than a month ago was meant to reopen the strait to shipping. It has not held. Both sides continued exchanging fire in the Persian Gulf on Saturday, and Iran has maintained its blockade of commercial vessels. The strait handles roughly one-fifth of global oil flows, making its closure a significant drag on world energy markets.
Trump’s naval escort initiative, dubbed “Project Freedom,” was suspended last week just days after its announcement. The U.S. maintains its own blockade of Iranian ports, but analysts and Western officials told NBC News that Tehran can likely absorb that economic pressure for several months before facing a serious crisis.
Also Read: Strait of Hormuz: Why It Matters to Global Energy Markets
Background: A Conflict That Began in Late February
The U.S. and Israel launched military strikes against Iran on February 28, triggering the current confrontation. Before hostilities began, the Strait of Hormuz carried approximately 20% of world oil supplies. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Friday that Washington repeatedly chose military action whenever diplomacy appeared viable.
Trump, speaking to NBC News by phone on Friday, said the conflict was not over and suggested he prioritized securing a favorable deal over a quick end to fighting. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz acknowledged talks had moved slower than anyone preferred but insisted negotiations remained active.
Markets rallied last week on optimism that a deal was imminent. That sentiment has since cooled sharply.
Read Next: Why Oil Markets Are Watching the Strait of Hormuz
