Trump Dismisses Iranian Proposal, Warns Ceasefire on Life Support

On Monday, President Donald Trump outright rejected Iran’s latest proposal, calling it “garbage” and “totally unacceptable.” He warned that the ceasefire with Iran is “on massive life support” and has only a “1% chance of survival.” This situation, he noted, is just “a small part” of potential broader U.S. actions, as he considers reviving and expanding the “Project Freedom” operation in the Strait of Hormuz.

Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump criticized Tehran’s recent response to a U.S. initiative aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict and addressing Iran’s nuclear ambitions. He labeled the proposal as “garbage” while indicating that the ceasefire is perilously weak.

Trump described the ceasefire as akin to a patient in critical condition, likening it to a loved one with bleak chances of survival. “I would say the ceasefire is built on massive life support,” he stated, adding that the situation is very concerning.

In a subsequent phone interview, Trump mentioned he was actively contemplating the revival of Project Freedom, a U.S.-led maritime effort that began this month to ensure safe passage for commercial vessels in the Strait, which has been a point of contention with Iran.

However, he cautioned that any new operation would entail more than a simple escort mission. There are additional measures being contemplated, though Trump did not elaborate extensively on what they might entail.

In the earlier meeting of the National Security Council, which included various high-ranking officials, it was noted that further military action could be on the table after negotiations hit a snag due to Iran’s latest response.

Recent reports indicated that the White House is increasingly skeptical about the Iranian offer, believing it fails to provide a pathway to the comprehensive agreement Trump is seeking. Some administration sources suggested Trump was preparing to escalate actions regarding Iran.

Throughout the day, Trump reiterated that the U.S. stance remains firm: Iran should not be permitted to develop nuclear weapons. “I have a plan,” he claimed. “Iran cannot have nuclear weapons.” He dismissed claims that mounting international pressure or prolonged negotiations would compel the U.S. to retreat.

Trump also revealed that Tehran had previously agreed to allow the U.S. a withdrawal of its enriched uranium stockpiles, although this concession was later retracted. He mentioned that Iranian negotiators indicated their nuclear material is now buried so deeply that they cannot retrieve it.

As negotiations stalled, Iranian leaders remained vocally resistant, suggesting their demands—including sanctions relief and an end to U.S. military action—are legitimate. They firmly stated that enrichment would not be up for negotiation.

Despite the supposed ceasefire, tensions continue to escalate in the region. The U.S. Central Command reported actions against Iran, having diverted numerous commercial vessels and disabled several ships since April. Trump noted that broader military action could remain a possibility if Iran continues to defy U.S. demands, affirming again that “we will have a complete victory.”