United States President Donald Trump has rejected Iran’s latest conditions for ending the Middle East conflict, calling Tehran’s response to America’s peace proposal “totally unacceptable.”
Trump made the statement on Sunday through his Truth Social account, raising fears that fighting in the region could increase again after weeks of diplomatic talks.
“I have just read the response from Iran’s representatives. I don’t like it — totally unacceptable!” Trump wrote.
Although Trump did not explain Iran’s full response, reports said Tehran asked for guarantees over its enriched uranium stockpile and demanded an end to fighting in the region, especially in Lebanon.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian insisted that Iran would not surrender despite ongoing negotiations.
“We will never bow to the enemy, and talks do not mean surrender,” Pezeshkian wrote on X.
Iran’s state broadcaster IRIB reported that Tehran sent its response to Washington through Pakistani mediators. Iran reportedly asked for an end to conflict across the region, including clashes involving Hezbollah in Lebanon, and also requested guarantees on maritime security.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the war could only end if Iran’s nuclear facilities were dismantled and its enriched uranium removed.
“It’s not over because there is still enriched uranium that has to be taken out of Iran,” Netanyahu said during an interview with CBS’ “60 Minutes.”
According to reports from The Wall Street Journal, Iran proposed reducing part of its highly enriched uranium and moving the rest to another country. However, Tehran wants guarantees that the material would be returned if negotiations failed or if the US withdrew from any deal.
Tension has also increased around the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes. Iran earlier placed restrictions in the area, while the US Navy reportedly increased activities near Iranian ports.
Iran also warned Britain and France against sending naval forces to the strait. Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said Iran would respond strongly to any foreign interference.
“Only Iran can provide security in this strait, and it will not allow foreign interference,” he said.
Fresh drone incidents added to the tension on Sunday, as the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Qatar reported attempted or successful drone attacks in their territories and waters.
Iranian lawmaker Ebrahim Rezaei warned that Iran’s “restraint is over” and threatened retaliation against American ships and military bases if Iranian vessels were attacked.
The latest developments have raised international concerns about the possibility of a wider regional conflict involving the US, Iran and their allies.
