Trump Expresses Doubts Over Iran Ceasefire's Stability

United States President Donald Trump has stated that the ceasefire between the US and Iran, which has been in place for a month, is on "massive life support". In a press briefing in the Oval Office on Monday, Trump described the ceasefire as "unbelievably weak", indicating that while it remains in effect, its longevity is uncertain.

Following Trump's remarks, Iranian parliamentary speaker Mohammad Ghalibaf took to social media platform X, declaring that Iran's armed forces are prepared to respond to any acts of aggression. In this context, Iran submitted a counter-proposal on Sunday detailing its demands to end the conflict and reopen the crucial Strait of Hormuz.

Trump dismissed this proposal, labelling it "totally unacceptable" and a "piece of garbage". Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson, Esmail Baghaei, countered Trump's statements, asserting that Tehran's proposals were both "responsible" and "generous".

In a separate post on X, Ghalibaf emphasised there is "no alternative but to accept the rights of the Iranian people" as outlined in a 14-point plan. He further noted, "The longer they drag their feet, the more American taxpayers will pay for it."

The Iranian offer reportedly calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities across all fronts, including ongoing Israeli strikes against Iran-supported Hezbollah in Lebanon, an end to the US naval blockade of Iranian ports, and assurances against further assaults on Iran. Additionally, it includes demands for compensation for damages incurred during the conflict and affirms Iranian sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil transportation.

Trump reacted to the Iranian proposal via social media platform Truth Social, reiterating his disapproval by writing, "I have just read the response from Iran's so-called 'Representatives.' I don't like it - TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE."

Baghaei responded by emphasising that Iran would take necessary actions to secure its interests in light of Trump's statements. During the briefing, Trump elaborated further on the state of the ceasefire, likening it to a critically ill patient, stating, "when the doctor walks in and says, 'Sir, your loved one has approximately a 1 percent chance of living'."

Trump characterised Iran's leaders as "very dishonourable people", expressing frustration about past negotiations and recalling that the Iranian leadership often changes their stance. He claimed Iran had reneged on commitments regarding the removal of its enriched uranium stockpile, insisting that Iran will "never have a nuclear weapon".

Iran's Tasnim news agency quoted a source close to its negotiating team asserting that their proposal did not include agreements to eliminate enriched nuclear material.

Earlier this week, Trump reiterated his belief that the war in Iran would resolve swiftly. In a contrasting remark, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserted that Iran's stockpile of enriched uranium must be eradicated before the war could be deemed over. Netanyahu stressed, "There's still enrichment sites that have to be dismantled."

Reports from the US news outlet Axios indicated that a preliminary one-page, 14-point US memorandum contains terms such as halting Iranian nuclear enrichment and lifting sanctions, although many of these provisions hinge upon reaching a final agreement.

Iran has maintained a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, contributing to rising global oil prices. Approximately 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas transits through this crucial route. The US has responded with a blockade of Iranian ports, a tactic that has incited further frustration in Tehran.

Following a series of substantial airstrikes by Israeli and US forces on Iran that began on 28 February, the ceasefire took effect last month. Recent negotiations have shown some promise, with officials from the White House expressing optimism about achieving a resolution.

The ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz has significantly disrupted global energy and petrochemical supplies. In light of these developments, Trump is expected to meet with Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping during an upcoming trip, accompanied by 17 US business executives. In an unrelated incident, Keli Holiday, part of the electronic duo Peking Duk, was detained at the US-Canada border on Friday while expressing gratitude towards Trump for a nomination related to Jamaica, a country she is familiar with and appreciates.