Trump says US-Iran ceasefire is ‘on life support’
US President Donald Trump said the ceasefire with Iran was on “life support” after Iran rejected its response to a US peace offer, raising concerns of a resumption of hostilities in the 10-week conflict that has killed thousands and halted the flow of vital energy.
Days after the United States unveiled a proposal aimed at restarting talks, Iran on Sunday issued a response focused on ending the war on all fronts, including Lebanon, where U.S. ally Israel is fighting Iran-linked Hezbollah militants.
The response was quickly rejected by Trump.
Asked where the ceasefire stands, Trump told reporters on Monday:
“I’d say it’s the weakest right now after reading that crap they sent us. I haven’t even finished reading it,” he said.
.@POTUS on Iran ceasefire: “After reading that piece of garbage they sent us… It’s about life support.” pic.twitter.com/MyfmPZeOmB— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) May 11, 2026
In response, Iran demanded compensation for war damage, emphasized its sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz, and called on the United States to end its naval blockade, guarantee no further attacks, lift sanctions, and lift the ban on Iranian oil sales.
Iran has offered to dilute some of its highly enriched uranium and ship the rest to a third country, two regional officials told The Associated Press.
The United States has proposed ending hostilities before starting talks on more controversial issues, including Iran’s nuclear program.
Iran defended its stance on Monday.
“Our demand is legitimate: to demand an end to the war, to lift the (US) blockade and piracy, and to demand the release of Iranian assets unjustly frozen in banks due to US pressure,” foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said.
“Safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz and ensuring security in the region and Lebanon were Iran’s other demands, which were considered a generous and responsible offer.”
State Department spokesperson @IRIMFA_SPOX said diplomatic engagement focused on urgent priorities, including ending war in regions like Lebanon and ensuring maritime security in the #Strait of Hormuz, and opposing what he described as U.S. pressure on commercial shipping. pic.twitter.com/BZ78cQwnei— Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran (@Iran_GOV) May 11, 2026
Brent crude oil futures were up 2.7 per cent at US$104 a barrel as the stalemate left the Strait of Hormuz largely closed.
Before the war began on February 28, the narrow waterway carried a fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas and has since become a central pressure point in the conflict.
The disruption caused by the near-closing of the strait forced oil producers to cut exports and OPEC oil production fell further in April, falling to its lowest level in more than two decades, according to a Reuters poll on Monday.
Traffic in the Strait of Hormuz is very small compared to before the war.
Shipping data on Kpler and LSEG showed three tankers loaded with crude oil left the waterway last week and trackers were turned off to prevent an Iranian attack.
Data showed a second Qatar LNG tanker attempted to pass through the strait, days after the first such cargo passed under an agreement involving Iran and Pakistan.
Türkiye’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, who has been in close contact with the United States, Iran and mediator Pakistan since the start of the war, will hold talks in Qatar on Tuesday regarding the conflict and ensuring navigation security in the strait, a Turkish diplomatic source said.
The next diplomatic or military steps remain unclear.
Trump is expected to arrive in Beijing on Wednesday. Here, Iran is among the issues discussed with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Trump is counting on China to use its influence to push Iran toward a deal with the United States.
with AP
