Trump says Iran truce ‘on life support’ as he rejects proposal

President Donald Trump said on Monday that a ceasefire with Iran was “on life support” after he rejected Tehran's response to a US peace proposal, fuelling concerns of a resumption of hostilities in the 10-week-old conflict that has killed thousands and halted vital energy flows.

Days after Washington floated a proposal aimed at reopening negotiations, Iran on Sunday released a response focused on ending the war on all fronts, including Lebanon, where U.S. ally Israel is fighting Iran-backed Hezbollah militants. The response had been swiftly rejected by Trump.

Asked where the ceasefire stands, Trump said, “I would call it the weakest right now, after reading that piece of garbage they sent us. I didn’t even finish reading it,” he said.

In its response, Tehran also demanded compensation for war damage, emphasised its sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz, and called on the US to end its naval blockade, guarantee no further attacks, lift sanctions and remove a ban on Iranian oil sales. The US had proposed an end to fighting before starting talks on more contentious issues, including Iran’s nuclear programme.

Tehran defended its stance on Monday. “Our demand is legitimate: demanding an end to the war, lifting the (US) blockade and piracy, and releasing Iranian assets that have been unjustly frozen in banks due to US pressure, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said. “Safe passage through the Hormuz and establishing security in the region and Lebanon were other demands of Iran, which are considered a generous and responsible offer.” Brent crude oil futures traded 2.7 per cent higher at around $104 a barrel, as the deadlock left the Hormuz largely closed.