United States (US) President Donald Trump has rejected a formal response from Iran regarding a US proposal to end the Gulf conflict. The response, delivered via Pakistani mediators, was met with immediate disapproval from the US President.
Taking to his Truth Social platform, Trump stated that he had read the response from Iranian representatives and found it “totally unacceptable”.
While he did not provide specific details regarding the points of contention, his statement signals a significant setback for diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalation.
The exchange follows weeks of back-and-forth negotiations where Islamabad has played a central role as an intermediary. A Pakistani government official confirmed that the response from Tehran was forwarded to Washington DC immediately after it was received.
Iranian state media noted that the reply was finalized following internal consultations and a review by Iran’s top leadership.
According to the Iranian Foreign Ministry, the text focused on a multi-front cessation of hostilities, with specific emphasis on the situation in Lebanon and the security of maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian officials suggested a phased approach, proposing that negotiations first prioritize ending active military conflict before moving on to complex issues such as sanctions and nuclear agreements.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian clarified the domestic stance on the talks. He wrote on X that engaging in dialogue is not a sign of “surrender or retreat,” but a method to defend national interests and the rights of the Iranian people.
On the military front, the situation remains volatile. Major General Ali Abdullahi, commander of the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, recently briefed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei on the readiness of the country’s armed forces.
Abdullahi reported that the army, Revolutionary Guard, and border forces are prepared for both defensive and offensive operations.
The commander issued a warning that any “strategic error” by the US or Israel would be met with a rapid and intense response.
During the briefing, Ayatollah Khamenei reportedly ordered new measures to confront adversaries, referring to the current period as the “Third Imposed War”.
