Trump Says Iran Ceasefire Is on Life Support

Prospects for a peaceful settlement between the US, Iran and Israel deteriorated sharply on Tuesday after US President Donald Trump rejected Tehran’s response to an American ceasefire proposal.

Trump said the ceasefire was “on life support” and described Iran’s demands as “garbage”.

In its response, Iran called for an end to the war on all fronts, including in Lebanon, where Israel is fighting Iran-backed Hezbollah militants. Tehran also emphasized its sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz, demanded compensation for war damage, an end to the US naval blockade and other concessions from Washington.

Trump told reporters he had not even finished reading the Iranian document and said the ceasefire was at its weakest point since it began on 7 April.

“I would call it the weakest right now, after reading that piece of garbage they sent us. I did not even finish reading it”, Trump said.

The US proposal called for fighting to stop before negotiations began on more contentious issues, including Iran’s nuclear program.

The deadlock immediately hit energy markets. Brent crude oil futures rose above $104.50 a barrel in early Asian trading on Tuesday, as the Strait of Hormuz remained largely closed.

The US on Monday imposed new sanctions on individuals and companies it said were helping Iran ship oil to China, part of an effort to cut off funding for Tehran’s military and nuclear programs.

Trump is expected to arrive in Beijing on Wednesday, where Iran is set to be among the topics discussed with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

(reuters, max)