By Elsie Kamsiyochi
Tensions between the United States and Iran escalated sharply on Monday after President Donald Trump declared that a fragile ceasefire with Tehran was now “on life support,” signaling growing doubts over any immediate breakthrough in negotiations to end the ongoing conflict.
Speaking in Washington, Trump openly criticized Iran’s response to a recent U.S. peace proposal, dismissing the document as unacceptable and suggesting diplomatic progress had stalled. His comments came just one day after Tehran formally replied to Washington’s latest effort aimed at easing hostilities and restarting negotiations after weeks of violence and regional instability.
The conflict, which has now stretched into its tenth week, continues to disrupt international markets and heighten fears of a broader regional crisis. At the center of global concern is the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategically important shipping routes, where ongoing tensions have severely impacted oil transportation and global energy supplies. The prolonged instability has already pushed oil prices higher, while governments and investors closely monitor developments.
Trump did not hide his frustration while discussing Iran’s response, describing the ceasefire as being in an extremely fragile condition. He indicated that confidence in the diplomatic process had weakened significantly after reviewing Tehran’s proposals, which Washington views as unrealistic and politically difficult to accept.
Iran’s response reportedly focused on ending military confrontations across multiple fronts in the Middle East, including neighboring Lebanon, where Israel continues military operations against the Iran-backed Hezbollah movement. Tehran also outlined several demands before agreeing to broader peace measures, underscoring the deep divide between the two sides.
Among Iran’s key conditions were requests for compensation related to wartime damage, recognition of its authority over the Strait of Hormuz, an end to what it described as U.S. naval pressure in the region, guarantees against future attacks, the removal of sanctions, and the lifting of restrictions on Iranian oil exports. These demands are expected to face heavy resistance in Washington, making any agreement increasingly difficult to achieve.
The diplomatic deadlock has raised fears that the conflict may continue for months, with no immediate path toward de-escalation. Analysts warn that prolonged fighting could intensify instability across the Gulf region, disrupt international trade, and deepen divisions between global powers already involved in the crisis.
Trump also made fresh claims regarding Iran’s nuclear materials, stating that Tehran may be prepared to hand over what he described as “nuclear dust,” referring to the country’s enriched uranium stockpile. He argued that only the United States and China possess the technical capabilities needed to manage or retrieve such sensitive material, though no official confirmation from Iranian authorities was immediately available.
As both sides remain firmly entrenched in their positions, hopes for a lasting ceasefire appear increasingly uncertain. Diplomatic efforts continue behind closed doors, but with sharp rhetoric replacing optimism, the possibility of a renewed escalation in the conflict remains a serious concern for the international community.
Source Reuters
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