US President Donald Trump has rejected Iran’s response to a recent American ceasefire proposal, which Tehran conveyed through Pakistani intermediaries, describing the position as “totally unacceptable.”
Iran sought broader negotiations aimed at securing a lasting end to regional hostilities. This includes addressing ongoing Israeli military actions in Lebanon against the Iranian-backed Hezbollah group. According to Iranian state television, Tehran insisted that any deal must provide firm guarantees for regional security and safe passage for maritime traffic.
The US proposal reportedly focused on halting the conflict, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and curbing Iran’s nuclear program. Trump had previously accused Iran of “playing games” with Washington for nearly five decades. In a social media post, he declared, “They will be laughing no longer!”
US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz affirmed that Washington remains committed to diplomatic efforts amid escalating tensions. “Trump is giving diplomacy every chance we possibly can before going back to hostilities,” Waltz told ABC.
ALSO READ : Over 100 Passengers and Crew Stricken by Norovirus on Cruise
Iranian state media reported that the country’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, held discussions with senior military officials and issued fresh directives for continued operations and a strong response to adversaries.
The fragile truce faced fresh challenges from a series of drone incidents in Gulf waters and regional airspace. A drone sparked a minor fire on a vessel near Qatar, while the United Arab Emirates reported shooting down two drones, attributing them to Iran. No casualties occurred. Kuwait also noted drone activity in its airspace. Qatar’s foreign ministry condemned the maritime incident as a dangerous escalation threatening key trade routes.
Tensions stem from Iran’s restrictions on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, which have disrupted global oil, gas, and fertilizer supplies. The US has maintained a blockade of Iranian ports since mid-April. On Friday, American forces targeted two Iranian oil tankers suspected of attempting to break the blockade.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard navy has warned of severe retaliation against US bases and vessels if its commercial shipping comes under attack. A key sticking point remains Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reports that Iran holds more than 440 kilograms enriched to 60% purity, nearing weapons-grade levels. Iranian officials have placed forces on high alert to safeguard these sites.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized that the enriched uranium must be removed from Iran for the conflict to end. Russian President Vladimir Putin noted that Moscow’s proposal for its removal as part of a settlement is still under review. Most of the material is believed to be stored at the Isfahan nuclear complex, previously hit in strikes.
Iran has also cautioned against any French-British maritime security effort in the Strait of Hormuz, vowing a decisive response. French President Emmanuel Macron clarified that the plan envisions a non-military international mission to secure shipping lanes once stability returns.
Recent vessel attacks in the Persian Gulf have added to the strain, with a US-led escort operation temporarily halted. Investigations continue into an explosion aboard a South Korean-operated ship in the strait.