Washington: U.S. President Donald Trump has rejected Iran's response to the latest U.S. peace proposal, calling it "completely unacceptable." The Iranian president has stated that discussions or negotiations do not equate to surrender or backing down.
According to Thai News Agency, President Trump expressed his dissatisfaction on Truth Social, noting that he had recently reviewed a response from "Iranian representatives" and found it unacceptable. This development comes amid reports of two ships being allowed through the blockaded Strait of Hormuz. In a brief phone interview cited by Axios, Trump emphasized that Iran's response continues a pattern of behavior towards various countries that has persisted for 47 years.
The U.S. previously offered a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with 14 points through an intermediary, Pakistan, requiring Iran to cease uranium enrichment and allow free navigation in the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for lifting sanctions. In contrast, Iran, as reported by its official news agency, Tasnim, demanded war reparations, recognition of its sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz, and the return of frozen assets, with the nuclear issue to be negotiated later. Trump criticized this as a recurring "game" Iran plays with the U.S. and the world, accusing Iran of gaining from policies under former President Barack Obama, referencing favorable financial agreements during that period.
Iranian President Masoud Peseshkian, while not directly commenting on Iran's response, affirmed that Iran would not yield to its enemies. He stated that any talks or negotiations do not imply surrender or backing down. Tasnim news agency reported that Trump's negative reaction to Iran's response was inconsequential. Concurrently, the Iranian military issued a warning to the U.S. and Israeli forces, threatening a surprising response if aggression resumes.
Negotiations remain at a standstill, with reports of drone attacks in Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates, involving two drones from Iran being intercepted. Additionally, a cargo ship was attacked near Qatar's coast.
Oil prices surged by $3 to over $104 per barrel, following news of the stalled agreement between the U.S. and Iran, and the continued partial closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which has kept global energy supplies tight.