WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump said on Monday that the fragile ceasefire with Iran was hanging by a thread, warning that Tehran’s refusal to accept Washington’s demands had pushed the truce to the brink of collapse.
Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump described the ceasefire as being on “massive life support” and accused Iran of weakening hopes for a diplomatic breakthrough. His remarks came amid mounting political pressure at home over the war’s economic impact, particularly rising concerns about energy markets and shipping disruptions in the Gulf.
Trump also revealed that his administration was considering restarting naval escorts for commercial vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil routes. The earlier US mission, known as “Operation Freedom,” was launched on May 6 but suspended within two days.
The United States has demanded strict limits on Iran’s nuclear activities as part of any agreement to reduce tensions. However, Trump dismissed Tehran’s latest counter-proposals as “garbage,” signaling little progress in negotiations.
Despite the deadlock, Trump insisted Washington would not retreat from its objectives. He said the United States was determined to achieve “complete victory” and warned that hardliners within Iran’s leadership were pushing for continued confrontation rather than compromise.
