U.S. President Donald Trump has rejected Iran’s latest response to a proposed peace framework, calling it “totally unacceptable,” in a development that has heightened uncertainty over fragile ceasefire negotiations in the Middle East.
The exchange marks a fresh setback in diplomatic efforts aimed at narrowing differences between Washington and Tehran over terms to end months of conflict and regional instability.
Iran’s response, delivered through regional mediators, reportedly outlined conditions including sanctions relief, security guarantees, and adjustments to nuclear-related restrictions, but did not meet key U.S. demands, according to officials familiar with the discussions.
Trump’s rejection has stalled momentum in ongoing indirect talks, with both sides remaining divided on core issues, including Iran’s nuclear programme and broader regional security arrangements.
Diplomatic sources say communication channels remain open through intermediaries, but the latest exchange has widened the gap between the two positions, making near-term progress more difficult.
Iran has maintained that its proposals are aimed at achieving a lasting end to hostilities, while U.S. officials insist that any agreement must include stricter limitations on Tehran’s nuclear activities and security commitments.
The diplomatic tensions come against the backdrop of a sharp military escalation, after Trump announced that U.S. forces carried out “massive precision strikes” on Iranian nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan.
Trump said the operation had “completely and totally obliterated” Iran’s key nuclear enrichment facilities, describing it as a decisive action aimed at halting what Washington views as a long-running nuclear threat.
“Our objective was the destruction of Iran’s nuclear enrichment capacity and a stop to the nuclear threat posed by the world’s number one state sponsor of terror,” he said.
He warned that further action could follow if Tehran does not shift course, adding that “this cannot continue. There will be either peace, or there will be tragedy for Iran far greater than we have witnessed over the last eight days.”
Analysts say the combination of stalled diplomacy and military escalation has significantly increased uncertainty around the conflict, further complicating efforts to revive a negotiated settlement.
The developments underscore the fragility of the current diplomatic track, with sustained mediation seen as critical to preventing further deterioration.
For now, the prospects of a breakthrough remain uncertain as both sides hold firm to their positions.
