WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump rejected Iran’s response to a U.S. ceasefire proposal as “TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE,” dealing a setback to efforts to end the conflict in the Persian Gulf.
Trump made the remarks on social media on Sunday shortly after Iran delivered its counterproposal through Pakistani mediators, according to Iranian state media and U.S. officials. The exchange comes amid a fragile pause in fighting that has lasted several weeks but left core issues unresolved.
“I don’t like it — TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE,” Trump wrote on Truth Social, without providing further details. In a separate post, he accused Iran of “playing games with the United States, and the rest of the World.”
Iran sent its response on Sunday via Pakistani intermediaries, state-run Islamic Republic News Agency reported. Iranian officials described the reply as focusing on a permanent end to the war, including in Lebanon, reopening the Strait of Hormuz for safe shipping, and other demands such as compensation, according to Iranian state television. Details of the full Iranian position remained unclear.
The U.S. proposal, floated earlier in the week, reportedly included steps to end hostilities, reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, and address Iran’s nuclear program through subsequent talks. Washington has pushed for Iran to halt uranium enrichment and relinquish highly enriched uranium stockpiles as part of longer-term arrangements.
The 10-week-old conflict has disrupted maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint for global oil shipments, and driven up energy prices. Neither side has provided comprehensive casualty figures or damage assessments that could be independently verified.
Pakistani officials confirmed they had forwarded Iran’s response to Washington, but gave no further comment. Iranian state media portrayed the reply as firm but open to negotiations on ending the broader regional standoff.
As of Monday, there was no immediate indication of new diplomatic moves. Oil prices rose following Trump’s statement amid uncertainty over the ceasefire’s durability, market participants said.
The episode marks the latest impasse in indirect talks aimed at resolving the confrontation that erupted earlier this year. Both sides have previously signaled willingness to negotiate while maintaining firm public positions. Trump is scheduled to visit China this week, where Iran is expected to feature in discussions with Chinese leaders.
U.S. and Iranian officials have not commented publicly beyond the statements already released.
