Iran has delivered its response to the latest U.S. ceasefire proposal through Pakistani mediators, according to Iranian state media, as diplomatic efforts to end the ongoing Middle East conflict continue. Tehran reportedly wants negotiations to prioritize a permanent end to the fighting across the region, including in Lebanon, while broader issues such as its nuclear program could be addressed later.
The proposal from Washington focused on several key demands, including restoring shipping access through the Strait of Hormuz and limiting Iran’s nuclear activities. Iranian officials, however, appear more focused on securing a long-term halt to military operations before moving deeper into nuclear negotiations.
President Trump later called Iran’s response to the ceasefire proposal “totally unacceptable.” He wrote: “I have just read the response from Iran’s so-called “Representatives.” I don’t like it — TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE! ” Mr. Trump did not provide further details on what issues he had with the response, or what would come next.
Diplomatic activity intensified over the weekend as Qatar’s prime minister met in Miami with U.S. officials including Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Vice President JD Vance. Discussions reportedly centered on finding a path toward ending the conflict.
Despite the negotiations, military tensions remain high. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards warned they would strike U.S. positions in the Middle East if Iranian oil tankers continue to be targeted. The warning followed reports that U.S. forces intercepted two Iran-flagged tankers attempting to dock at an Iranian port in violation of the American naval blockade.
President Donald Trump sharply criticized Iran and previous U.S. administrations in a series of social media posts, accusing Tehran of deceiving the United States for decades. Referring to former President Barack Obama’s nuclear agreement with Iran, Trump claimed the deal strengthened the Iranian government and weakened American allies in the region.
Meanwhile, officials on both sides acknowledged that negotiations are still underway, though progress has been slow. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said the U.S. continues to wait for a “clear resolution” from Tehran, stressing that Washington’s main goals are reopening the Strait of Hormuz to unrestricted shipping and ending Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
Iran also warned against possible European involvement in future maritime security missions. Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said any French or British naval cooperation with U.S. actions in the Strait of Hormuz would face an “immediate response” from Iranian forces. French President Emmanuel Macron later clarified that any future international operation would focus on protecting commercial shipping rather than military escalation.
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