Ceasefire with Iran on the Brink: Trump's Sharp Rejection Raises Concerns

President Donald Trump announced on Monday that the ceasefire agreement with Iran is dangerously close to failing, characterizing Tehran's reply to a U.S. peace proposal as 'stupid.' Trump's quick dismissal of Iran's response heightened fears that the ongoing 10-week conflict will persist and continue to disrupt shipping through the vital Strait of Hormuz.

Describing the situation as the weakest it's been, Trump criticized the ceasefire, saying, 'It's on life support,' due to dissatisfaction with Iran's rebuttal to Washington's proposal aimed at restarting negotiations. Iran's response on Sunday centered on terminating warfare on all fronts, including in Lebanon, where U.S.-aligned Israel battles Iran-supported Hezbollah fighters.

Tehran's demands include compensation for war-related damages, recognition of its sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz, cessation of the U.S. naval blockade, guarantees against future attacks, lifting of sanctions, and removing the oil sales ban. Additionally, Trump alleged that Iran is prepared to provide the U.S. with 'the nuclear dust,' referring to Iran's stockpile of enriched uranium, asserting that only China and the U.S. possess the capability to manage it.

(With inputs from agencies.)