Trump Rejects Iran’s Response to U.S. Ceasefire Proposal as ‘Totally Unacceptable’

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Sunday dismissed Iran’s counterproposal to the latest U.S. peace offer as “TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE,” signaling continued deadlock in efforts to end the 10-week conflict in the Middle East.

Iran sent its formal reply through Pakistani intermediaries, according to Iranian state media. Tehran demanded a comprehensive, permanent end to fighting on all fronts — including the Israel-Hezbollah conflict in Lebanon — along with security guarantees for maritime shipping and an immediate end to the U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports.

The U.S. proposal had called for reopening the Strait of Hormuz to commercial traffic and verifiable steps to roll back Iran’s nuclear program. Iranian officials signaled they want nuclear issues handled separately in later talks rather than as part of an initial agreement.

Trump posted on Truth Social shortly after reviewing the Iranian response: “I have just read the response from Iran’s so-called ‘Representatives.’ I don’t like it — TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE!” He has previously accused Tehran of “playing games” with the United States for nearly 50 years and warned that diplomacy would not last indefinitely.

The exchange comes amid a fragile ceasefire that has been repeatedly tested by drone incidents in the Persian Gulf, including attacks on shipping and airspace violations reported by the UAE and Kuwait. The U.S. maintains its blockade of Iranian ports, which has sharply curtailed Tehran’s oil exports, while Iran continues to restrict traffic through the Strait of Hormuz — a chokepoint for roughly 20 percent of global seaborne oil.

Administration officials have emphasized that any final deal must include verifiable limits on Iran’s nuclear activities and an end to its support for regional proxies. Indirect talks facilitated by Pakistan remain ongoing, but no new round has been scheduled following Sunday’s developments.

The Trump administration continues to insist the naval blockade will stay in place until a comprehensive agreement is reached. Oil prices rose Monday on renewed uncertainty over the waterway.