Trump Rejects Iran’s Proposal as “Totally Unacceptable”
On Sunday, President Donald Trump dismissed Iran’s recent reply to U.S. proposals aimed at resolving ongoing conflicts, describing it as “totally unacceptable.” He indicated that Iran was, perhaps, no longer amused after reports suggested they were pushing for sanctions relief, asset freezes, lifting of the naval blockade, and control over the Strait of Hormuz, all while disregarding key U.S. nuclear requirements.
Iran communicated its response through Pakistani intermediaries after close to ten days of discussions regarding a U.S. proposal. This proposal was focused on halting hostilities, resuming maritime operations in the Strait of Hormuz, and allowing a negotiation period of roughly 30 days about Iran’s nuclear program and uranium enrichment levels. Trump has consistently advocated for a permanent ban on Iran’s pursuit of nuclear weapons.
“I just read the response from Iran’s so-called ‘representative,'” Trump stated on Truth Social. “I don’t like it; it’s completely unacceptable!”
Earlier, he heightened his rhetoric against Tehran, accusing the regime of manipulating the U.S. over decades and using previous concessions to bolster its influence in the region while funding terrorist groups and threatening U.S. allies.
“Iran has been playing games with the United States and the rest of the world for 47 years (delay, delay, delay!),” he wrote.
He criticized former Presidents Obama and Biden for policies that he argued financially bolstered Iran and gave them a renewed lease on power, also accusing Obama of abandoning Israel and other allies.
Trump referred to the $1.7 billion cash transfer to Iran under Obama as evidence that the regime found “the biggest sucker of them all: a weak and stupid American president.”
“For 47 years, the Iranians have kept us waiting, killed our people with roadside bombs, and recently wiped out 42,000 innocent, unarmed protesters,” Trump remarked, warning, “They won’t laugh anymore!”
In a phone call regarding the situation, Trump expressed clear dissatisfaction, suggesting that his administration views Iran’s stance as inadequate.
“I don’t like their letter. It’s inappropriate. I don’t like their response,” Trump conveyed.
While Iranian state media characterized their response as “positive and pragmatic,” reports indicated a refusal to address core U.S. expectations concerning their nuclear infrastructure.
According to reports, Iran has declined to dismantle its nuclear facilities or yield long-term control over its enrichment capabilities, proposing a significantly shorter moratorium instead of the nearly 20-year freeze the U.S. sought. They indicated a plan to dilute some of their highly enriched uranium and transfer the rest to a third country, with conditions for its return if negotiations fail.
Iranian media also ruled out some Western narratives while confirming proposals focusing on ending hostilities, lifting sanctions, unblocking U.S. naval access, and maintaining control of the Strait of Hormuz.
Additionally, a news outlet linked to Hezbollah reported that Tehran demands an immediate ceasefire in Lebanon and a full cessation of what they label as a “siege” against Iran.
U.S. Ambassador to the U.N., Mike Walz, reiterated that the administration has established strict boundaries in the negotiations. He stated, “Trump has made it clear that we will never have nuclear weapons and that we cannot hold the world economy hostage,” during a discussion.
As tensions persist in the Gulf region, with incidents such as drone interceptions by the United Arab Emirates and attacks on cargo ships, Iranian officials renewed threats concerning the Strait of Hormuz. They warned that U.S. strikes on Iranian vessels would elicit severe retaliation against U.S. bases and ships in the vicinity.
Trump has continually emphasized that the U.S. might escalate military operations if negotiations do not yield a satisfactory agreement. He alluded to reviving Project Freedom, a maritime initiative aimed at escorting commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, mentioning that such actions would be intensified if diplomacy fails.
“If things don’t happen, I might go back to Project Freedom,” he noted. “But it will be Project Freedom Plus.”
Trump affirmed that the U.S. would prevent Iran from transferring its stockpiles of highly enriched uranium, indicating a commitment to closely monitor the situation.
“We’ll get it someday,” he said. “We are keeping a close watch on this place. If anyone approaches, we will know about it and blow them up.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu echoed Trump’s concerns, stating that operations against Iran remain incomplete, emphasizing the continued presence of enriched uranium, missile capabilities, and parts of the nuclear infrastructure that still need to be dismantled.
On the Iranian side, President Masoud Pezeshkian maintained a defiant stance, asserting, “We will never bow before our enemies. Even if there are discussions about dialogue and negotiations, it does not imply surrender or retreat.”
