President Donald Trump has indicated that the current ceasefire with Iran is on “life support,” and he is contemplating the resumption of U.S. Navy military escorts for ships in the Strait of Hormuz. This move aims to counter Iran’s blockade of this critical maritime passage. Trump’s remarks come as he dismissed Iran’s recent peace proposals, labeling them as “stupid,” and denied facing any domestic pressure to negotiate an agreement.
Commenting on the ceasefire, which has been in place since April 7, Trump expressed his disapproval of Iran’s response to U.S. conditions aimed at de-escalating the conflict. He compared the ceasefire’s fragility to a patient with a slim chance of survival. The U.S. had previously sent Iran a list of demands focused on curtailing Tehran’s nuclear ambitions, but Iran’s counter-proposals were swiftly rejected by Trump.
Last week, the U.S. had initiated Project Freedom, a plan to provide military escorts for oil tankers through the Strait, but Trump halted the operation after just a couple of days. The suspension was meant to give Iran time to consider the U.S. peace proposals. However, the plan faced opposition from Saudi Arabia, which refused to allow the use of its airspace or bases for what it perceived as an escalatory measure.
The situation further intensified as oil prices surged following Iran’s declaration that it would not engage in further discussions to lift the blockade unless its conditions were met. Maj Gen Mohammad Ali Jafari, former commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, stated that no further negotiations would occur until several conditions were satisfied, including the end of hostilities, lifting of sanctions, release of blocked funds, compensation for war damages, and recognition of Iran’s sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz.