The fragile U.S.-Iran ceasefire was on shaky ground Sunday as President Donald Trump reportedly signaled he would not accept Iran’s latest peace proposal and announced a plan to “free up” ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
“The Ship movement is merely meant to free up people, companies, and Countries that have done absolutely nothing wrong — They are victims of circumstance,” Trump announced on Truth Social late Sunday afternoon. “This is a Humanitarian gesture on behalf of the United States, Middle Eastern Countries but, in particular, the Country of Iran. Many of these Ships are running low on food, and everything else necessary for largescale crews to stay on board in a healthy and sanitary manner.”
He said the operation would begin Monday morning “Middle East time.” And he warned: “If, in any way, this Humanitarian process is interfered with, that interference will, unfortunately, have to be dealt with forcefully.”
A U.S. response to the 14-point peace proposal was sent through Pakistani mediators. Officials from Iran and Pakistan involved in the peace talks confirmed to MS NOW the points of the peace proposal as originally reported by Axios.
The proposal calls for, in part, ceasing all hostilities within 30 days — including Israel’s operations in Lebanon — ending the U.S. Naval blockade of Iranian ports, withdrawing American forces from the region and lifting U.S. sanctions on Iran.
Notably, Iran’s proposal does not offer to discuss its nuclear program, the primary U.S. demand, until after the war ends. Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said on state television Sunday that the nuclear issue is not included in the new proposal.
Trump reportedly dismissed Iran’s plan to end the war. Nathan Guttman, a reporter for Israeli outlet Kan News, said Trump told him in a phone interview that the new Iranian proposal is “not acceptable.”
“The new Iranian proposal is not acceptable,” Trump reportedly told Guttman. “It’s not acceptable to me. I’ve studied it, I’ve studied everything – it’s not acceptable.”
But Trump said later in this Truth Social post about his planned “humanitarian” operation to begin on Monday, “I am fully aware that my Representatives are having very positive discussions with the Country of Iran, and that these discussions could lead to something very positive for all.
The war, now in its third month, has destabilized the region and sent shockwaves throughout the global economy. Iran’s effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the critical trade route through which 20% of the world’s oil passes, has rattled energy markets. The U.S.’s average price of gas per gallon, according to motorist group AAA, hit $4.45 as of Sunday, a sharp increase from last year’s average of $3.17.
A recent Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos poll found that 66% of respondents said they disapprove of Trump’s handling of the Iran war, while only 33% approve.
Emily Hung contributed to this report.
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