US President Donald Trump said on Monday that the Iran ceasefire was effectively “on life support”, sharply criticising Tehran’s response to a US proposal aimed at securing a long-term end to the war.
Diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran appear deadlocked, with both sides reportedly exchanging proposals through Pakistan in an attempt to stabilise the ceasefire, without success so far.
Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump described the latest Iranian counterproposal as “garbage”. He added that the ceasefire was “on mechanical life support”, comparing the situation to a patient given only a “1% chance to survive”.
Iran warns it is ready to retaliate
On the Iranian side, Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned that Iran’s armed forces were prepared “to retaliate” and teach a “lesson” to any attacker.
He said any country launching an attack against Iran “would be surprised” by the response.
The increasingly hostile rhetoric comes as tensions remain high following the outbreak of the US-Israeli war against Iran on February 28.
Strait of Hormuz operation may resume
During a phone interview with Fox News, Trump also said he planned to restart naval escort operations for ships seeking to leave the Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran had effectively shut the strategic waterway after the start of the conflict, disrupting maritime traffic and raising concerns over global energy supplies.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most important shipping routes for oil and gas exports.
Source: CNA
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