Hopes for a breakthrough peace deal between the United States and Iran have weakened after former U.S.
President Donald Trump sharply rejected Tehran’s latest counterproposal, describing it as “garbage,”.
The rejection came after Iran submitted a response to a U.S. peace initiative aimed at ending the ongoing conflict.
Tehran’s proposal reportedly called for a broader regional ceasefire, including an end to fighting in places like Lebanon, alongside demands tied to sanctions relief, compensation for war damage, and recognition of Iranian control over strategic issues such as the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump dismissed the Iranian response as unacceptable and suggested it threatened the fragile ceasefire arrangement that had been in place since early April.
He also indicated he did not fully review the proposal, reinforcing Washington’s hardline stance that the Iranian conditions were unrealistic.
The deadlock has further strained already fragile diplomacy between both sides. The U.S. had initially proposed halting hostilities before addressing deeper issues such as Iran’s nuclear program, but Tehran’s counteroffer shifted focus to broader political and military concessions, widening the gap in negotiations.
Meanwhile, the breakdown in talks has added to regional instability, with tensions around the Strait of Hormuz affecting global oil flows and markets reacting to fears of prolonged disruption.
With both sides sticking to opposing demands, prospects for a near-term peace agreement not w appear increasingly uncertain.
