U.S. President Donald Trump said the Iran ceasefire was “on life support” and blasted Tehran’s reply to a U.S. peace proposal as “garbage,” with talks stalled over sanctions and access through the Strait of Hormuz. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
Trump said he had not even finished reading Iran’s response, which several reports said came after Washington sent Tehran a proposal aimed at reviving negotiations. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5] Iran’s demands included ending hostilities on all fronts, lifting the naval blockade, guaranteeing no further attacks, easing sanctions and removing bans on Iranian oil sales, with some reports also saying Tehran sought war compensation and recognition of its claim over Hormuz waters. [1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 5]
The remarks came as shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remained disrupted, with some vessels turning back and others getting through, and as oil prices climbed on the tension. [1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 6] Brent crude traded around $104.20 to $105.33 a barrel and WTI around $98.07 to $99.85, while one report said U.S. Navy transits through the strait carry extra costs. [1, 7, 8, 9, 6]
Trump said he was considering restoring a convoy or “freedom” plan to help ships pass through Hormuz, but he did not spell out whether he would resume military strikes on Iran. [1, 6, 5] Reports said he planned to meet his national security team to discuss the next steps, including a possible return to military action. [1, 10]
The standoff followed an Iranian reply on May 10 to the U.S. proposal and Trump’s remarks a day later at the White House, when he said the ceasefire was propped up by a “life support system” and called Iran’s response “stupid.” [1, 2, 3, 8, 4, 5] Some reports said Trump would meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on May 13, while others placed the meeting on May 14. [1, 8]
