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 shows signs of fraying. The Iranian counter-proposal, delivered via Pakistani mediators, reportedly demands the lifting of US sanctions, an end to the naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, and guarantees against renewed attacks.
The US proposal, presented a week ago, was a 14-point memorandum of understanding that would reopen the Strait of Hormuz and set a framework for talks on Iran's nuclear programme. It reportedly included a moratorium on Iranian nuclear enrichment for up to 20 years, the transfer of Iran's highly enriched uranium (HEU) stockpile overseas, and the dismantling of Iranian nuclear facilities.
According to the Wall Street Journal, Iran's counter-proposal suggested a shorter moratorium, partial export of HEU with the remainder diluted, and a refusal to dismantle facilities. Trump responded on Truth Social, accusing Iran of 'playing games' and warning that Tehran 'will be laughing no longer'.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that the war is 'not over' as long as Iran retains HEU. He told CBS's 60 Minutes that the material must be removed, possibly through direct intervention. Trump, however, appeared more relaxed, suggesting satellite surveillance via Space Force was sufficient to monitor the stockpile, and threatening to 'blow them up' if anyone approached it.
Trump is under pressure to maintain the ceasefire ahead of a visit to China, which is pushing for an end to hostilities and the reopening of the Strait. The IAEA reports that Iran's 440kg of HEU enriched to 60% purity is buried deep under mountains in central Iran, with Iranian forces at 'full readiness' to protect it.
