US President Donald Trump has rejected Iran’s response to a US proposal aimed at ending the war. Tehran pressed for conditions including lifting the naval blockade, easing sanctions, and retaining influence over shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump said on Truth Social that he had reviewed Iran’s response, delivered via Pakistani mediators, and found it “totally unacceptable.” He later told Fox News he had not yet decided whether to resume “Project Freedom,” the US-led naval operation designed to secure maritime traffic, but suggested it could be expanded beyond Hormuz.
US Central Command reported redirecting 62 commercial vessels and disabling four ships since the blockade began. Bloomberg cited sources saying Iran’s demands included lifting the blockade, easing sanctions, releasing frozen assets, and removing restrictions on oil exports.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said Tehran’s proposal was “not excessive.” Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said the country had “multiple options,” ranging from entering negotiations “with dignity” to remaining in a state of “no war, no peace.”
Regional powers stepped up mediation efforts. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is expected to visit Doha on Tuesday for talks on the Iran conflict, Gulf security and maritime safety in Hormuz.
