President Donald Trump on Sunday rejected Iran’s response to the latest U.S.-backed peace proposal aimed at permanently ending the war between Washington and Tehran.
“I have just read the response from Iran’s so-called ‘Representatives.’ I don’t like it — TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE!” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
Iran’s response was delivered through Pakistan, which has served as an intermediary in the closed-door negotiations between the two countries, according to Iran’s state-run Islamic Republic News Agency.
Iranian state media said Tehran’s position focuses first on ending military hostilities and restoring shipping security in the Persian Gulf. Iranian officials also reportedly want sanctions and the U.S. naval blockade lifted before broader talks move forward.
According to Iranian state television, Tehran signaled it could reopen the Strait of Hormuz if the war ends permanently and the United States removes sanctions and maritime restrictions.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most important energy routes. Roughly one-quarter of global seaborne oil trade passes through the narrow waterway.
Iranian media also said the first phase of negotiations should focus on shipping security and sanctions relief, while discussions over Iran’s nuclear program would happen later.
Trump sharply criticized Iran after reports of Tehran’s response surfaced.
“Iran has been playing games with the United States, and the rest of the World, for 47 years,” Trump wrote. “They will be laughing no longer!”
The latest diplomatic push comes after weeks of escalating conflict in the region. Iran attacked U.S. Navy ships in the Strait of Hormuz earlier this month and also launched missiles at the United Arab Emirates.
The United States later struck two Iranian oil tankers as both countries continued efforts to control access through the waterway.
Trump warned last week that the ceasefire could quickly collapse if negotiations fail.
“If there’s no ceasefire, you’re not going to have to know. You’re just going to have to look at one big glow coming out of Iran, and they better sign their agreement fast,” Trump said Thursday.
The negotiations have largely remained private, with Pakistan acting as the main intermediary between both sides.
Trump also warned Friday that the United States could revive “Project Freedom,” a naval escort operation designed to protect commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, if talks break down.
“We may go back to Project Freedom if things don’t happen, but it’ll be Project Freedom Plus,” Trump said.