Trump Calls Iran's Response to Peace Proposal 'Unacceptable'

President Donald Trump has dismissed Iran’s response to a U.S. peace proposal aimed at ending the region’s prolonged conflict. His rejection coincided with the transit of two vessels through the heavily blockaded Strait of Hormuz, an area of vital strategic importance.

"I have just read the response from Iran's so-called 'Representatives.' I don’t like it—TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE," Trump posted on Truth Social, without elaborating further.

Iranian state media indicated that Tehran’s response emphasized terminating hostilities on all fronts, particularly Lebanon, along with ensuring the safety of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. However, no specifics were provided on how or when the crucial waterway might fully reopen.

The Iranian rebuttal came in response to a U.S. overture proposing a cessation of conflict as a prerequisite to more challenging negotiations, including discussions about Iran’s nuclear program.

According to Iran’s semi-official Tasnim News Agency, Tehran’s counterproposal included an immediate halt to warfare across all fronts, the lifting of the U.S. naval blockade, assurances against future attacks, and the removal of economic sanctions, including the U.S. ban on Iranian oil exports.

The Wall Street Journal, citing unnamed sources, reported that Iran suggested diluting some of its highly enriched uranium while transferring the remainder to an agreed-upon third country.

A Pakistani official confirmed that Pakistan, acting as a mediator in the peace talks, had conveyed Iran’s response to Washington. However, there was no immediate reply from U.S. officials regarding Tehran’s proposals.

Despite the ceasefire that has been in effect for over a month, tensions remain palpable. On Sunday, hostile drones were spotted over several Gulf nations, underscoring the persistent instability gripping the region.

Amid this fragile calm, the QatarEnergy-operated carrier Al Kharaitiyat successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz en route to Pakistan’s Port Qasim. This marks the first Qatari shipment of liquefied natural gas through the strait since hostilities erupted on February 28 between the U.S., Israel, and Iran.

Sources revealed that this shipment, providing Pakistan some relief from widespread power outages due to stalled gas imports, had been approved by Iran. Reports suggest the gesture was aimed at rebuilding confidence with both Pakistan and Qatar, which have engaged in mediation efforts.

Additionally, Tasnim News Agency reported that a Panama-flagged bulk carrier bound for Brazil also managed to pass through the strait, navigating a route designated by Iran’s armed forces.

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Iran has largely restricted non-Iranian ships from accessing the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint that previously facilitated the transport of one-fifth of the world’s oil supply. The ongoing blockade has emerged as a focal point of the crisis.

On Sunday, Trump addressed the state of military operations against Iran, stating, "They are defeated, but that doesn’t mean they’re done."

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cautioned that the conflict is far from over, emphasizing the need to eliminate Iran’s enriched uranium, dismantle nuclear enrichment facilities, and counter Iran’s proxies and missile capabilities. Netanyahu expressed optimism about achieving diplomatic removal of uranium while not ruling out the possibility of military action.

In contrast, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian declared via social media that Iran would "never bow down to the enemy" and vowed to "defend national interests with strength."

Despite international diplomatic efforts, the blockade of shipping lanes and the broader economic risks to the region remain unresolved.

On Sunday, the United Arab Emirates intercepted two drones originating from Iran, while Qatar condemned a drone strike that targeted a cargo vessel departing Abu Dhabi. Kuwait reported using air defense systems against hostile drones that breached its airspace.

The conflict has also reignited hostilities between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group in Lebanon. While a U.S.-brokered ceasefire was declared on April 16, intermittent clashes have persisted. The most recent escalation began in March when Hezbollah retaliated following attacks on Tehran by U.S. and Israeli forces. Peace talks between Israel and Lebanon are now scheduled to resume in Washington on May 14.

Iran Issues Warning Over International Mission Preparations

The United States imposed its own blockade on Iranian vessels last month, yet Tehran has been slow to respond to calls for peace. Polls indicate waning support for the conflict among U.S. voters burdened by surging gasoline prices.

With congressional elections approaching in less than six months, President Trump faces mounting domestic pressure to resolve the crisis. On NBC’s "Meet the Press," U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright remarked that the administration is "constantly looking for different ideas" to ease gasoline prices.

Internationally, U.S. allies have shown limited eagerness to intervene. NATO countries have rebuffed calls to deploy ships to open the Strait of Hormuz absent a comprehensive peace agreement and internationally sanctioned deployment plans.

France and Britain, who have been working on proposals to ensure safer transit through the Strait of Hormuz, have begun military preparations. On Saturday, Britain announced plans to deploy a warship to the Middle East following a similar decision by France.

Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi warned via social media that the deployment of British, French, or other foreign warships to the strait under the guise of "protecting shipping" would be seen as an act of provocation and would be countered with force.

French President Emmanuel Macron responded, asserting that France is prepared to support an international mission but clarified, "We have never envisaged a military deployment to reopen Hormuz."

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