The ceasefire with Iran is hanging by a thread, according to Donald Trump, who suggested that the United States might resume military escorts of vessels through the strategic Strait of Hormuz. This move aims to counter the Iranian blockade of this crucial maritime passage. Trump criticized Iran’s peace proposals, dismissing them as absurd, and maintained that he is not facing any pressure at home to strike a deal.
Since 7 April, a ceasefire has been in effect, but Trump expressed deep skepticism about its viability. He described Iran’s recent communication as worthless, indicating that he didn’t even finish reading it. “I would say the ceasefire is on massive life support, where the doctor walks in and says: ‘Sir, your loved one has approximately a 1% chance of living,’” Trump remarked, underscoring his pessimism.
The tension escalated after the U.S. presented Iran with a set of conditions aimed at curbing Tehran’s nuclear capabilities. Iran’s counter-proposals, however, were swiftly rejected by Trump. Last week, the U.S. briefly considered Project Freedom, which involved escorting oil tankers through the strait. However, this plan was quickly abandoned, ostensibly to allow Iran time to respond to the peace proposals. The initiative also faced pushback from Saudi Arabia, which refused to permit the use of its airspace or bases, viewing the plan as potentially provocative.
Trump’s comments come in the wake of a fresh spike in oil prices, driven by Iran’s firm stance that no further discussions on lifting the blockade will occur unless its conditions are accepted. Maj Gen Mohammad Ali Jafari, a former leader of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, outlined Tehran’s demands, which include ending hostilities on all fronts, lifting sanctions, releasing blocked funds, compensating for war damages, and recognizing Iran’s sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz. Without these concessions, Iran insists, no additional negotiations will take place.