US President Donald Trump has said that the ceasefire between the United States and Iran is now in an extremely fragile state, describing it as “on life support”. He said Washington is considering restarting US Navy escort operations for commercial vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, in response to Iran’s blockade of the strategic waterway.
Trump also dismissed Iran’s peace proposals as “stupid” and denied that the US is under domestic pressure to quickly reach a deal. He described the current ceasefire as highly unstable, comparing it to a patient with only a 1% chance of survival.
Reports say the US previously presented Iran with a set of conditions aimed at de-escalating tensions, mainly focused on limiting Iran’s nuclear programme. Tehran later submitted counter-proposals, which Trump rejected outright. The US had briefly paused its escort plan last week, reportedly to allow Iran time to respond, although the move faced opposition from Saudi Arabia, which warned it could further escalate regional tensions.
Iran has maintained a hardline stance, saying it will not return to negotiations unless the US lifts sanctions, unfreezes assets, compensates war damages, and recognises Iranian sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz. Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson, however, said its proposals were “reasonable and constructive”, insisting that diplomatic space still exists.
As tensions escalate, global oil prices have risen above US$105 per barrel, with growing concerns over disrupted supply chains. Around 1,500 oil tankers and 20,000 seafarers are currently stranded in the Persian Gulf, with shipping through the Strait of Hormuz severely constrained, raising alarm over global energy security.
Commentary:
So far, there has been no meaningful breakthrough in the US–Iran confrontation. The two sides remain deeply divided, with little room for compromise, and the diplomatic deadlock is becoming more entrenched. If Trump ultimately restarts naval escort operations through the Strait of Hormuz, the situation could escalate further.
At the same time, the crisis is also adding uncertainty ahead of the upcoming US–China leadership meeting. Given China’s close energy and trade ties with Iran, Beijing may be unwilling to fully align with US demands on oil sanctions and maritime security, further limiting coordination between the two powers and making the broader geopolitical situation even more complex.