Donald Trump has declared that the ceasefire with Iran is precariously close to collapsing, describing it as being on “life support.” In response to the ongoing Iranian blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, the U.S. president is contemplating resuming naval escorts for ships traversing the critical maritime passage.
Trump dismissed Iran’s recent peace proposals, labeling them as foolish, and refuted any claims of domestic pressure compelling him to negotiate. He critically assessed the ceasefire, which has been in place since April 7, stating, “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 compared the situation to a grim medical prognosis, implying the ceasefire’s chances of survival are minimal.
In recent developments, the U.S. had sent a list of conditions to Iran aimed at de-escalation, primarily focused on curbing Tehran’s nuclear ambitions. However, Iran’s counter-proposals were swiftly rejected by Trump as nonviable. Last week, Trump halted “Project Freedom,” a strategy to provide military escorts to oil tankers through the strait, after only a brief implementation. This decision was initially made to allow Iran time to consider his proposals, but it faced opposition from Saudi Arabia, which opposed the use of its airspace or bases for a plan it deemed provocative.
The tension further escalated after oil prices surged following Iran’s announcement that it would not engage in further talks to lift the blockade unless its demands were met. Key among these demands are the end of hostilities, lifting of sanctions, release of blocked funds, compensation for war damages, and recognition of Iran’s sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz.
Maj Gen Mohammad Ali Jafari, a former commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, emphasized Iran’s stance, stating, “As long as the war on all fronts is not over, sanctions are not lifted, blocked funds are not released, war damages are not compensated and Iran’s sovereignty over the strait of Hormuz not recognised, there will be no other negotiations.”