US President Donald Trump has described Iran's response to an American peace proposal as 'totally unacceptable', as the month-old ceasefire in the region showed signs of fraying. Drone strikes were reported across the Gulf, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that the war was 'not over'.
The Iranian counter-proposal, passed to Washington through Pakistani mediators, reportedly demanded the lifting of US sanctions, an end to the naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, and guarantees against any renewed attack. The US proposal had outlined a 14-point memorandum of understanding, including a moratorium on Iranian nuclear enrichment for up to 20 years and the transfer of Iran's stockpile of highly enriched uranium (HEU) overseas.
According to reports, Iran's counter-proposal suggested a shorter moratorium, partial export of HEU, and refusal to dismantle nuclear facilities. Trump responded on his Truth Social platform, accusing Iran of 'playing games' and stating that Tehran 'will be laughing no longer'.
Netanyahu, in an interview with CBS's 60 Minutes, insisted that the war would continue until Iran's HEU stockpile was removed and enrichment sites dismantled. He suggested that the best way to secure the fissile material was to 'go in and take it out' as part of an agreement. Trump, however, appeared more relaxed, stating that satellite surveillance via the Space Force was sufficient to monitor the stockpile and that any attempt to access it would be met with destruction.
Trump reiterated that US attacks on Iran could resume, noting that about 70% of planned targets had been hit. The US president faces pressure to maintain the ceasefire ahead of a visit to China, which is pushing for an end to hostilities. Iran's military has stated it is at 'full readiness' to protect its HEU stockpile, which the IAEA says is buried deep under mountains in central Iran.
