The President of the United States, Donald Trump, has rejected Iran’s latest proposal aimed at ending the ongoing conflict, according to a confirmed statement from a US official. The development marks a setback in efforts to secure a ceasefire in a war that has been ongoing for two months.
The rejection has further diminished hopes for an immediate resolution to the conflict. The war has already disrupted global energy supply chains, contributing to inflationary pressures in international markets due to instability in fuel distribution.
Iran’s most recent proposal suggested postponing discussions on its nuclear programme in favour of an immediate cessation of hostilities. It also called for resolving disputes related to maritime navigation in the Persian Gulf. However, the United States has maintained that any agreement must first address nuclear-related concerns, and no deal can proceed without resolving that issue.
A US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that President Trump dismissed the proposal during a meeting with advisers on Monday. The White House press secretary, Olivia Wells, reiterated that the United States would not engage in what she described as “media-based negotiation”, adding that Washington’s position had already been clearly defined.
Diplomatic efforts have faced additional complications following the cancellation of a planned visit to Pakistan by Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, and his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, over the weekend. Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has made two visits to Islamabad in recent days. He also travelled to Russia, where he met President Vladimir Putin and reportedly secured political support.
Energy markets have reacted to the continuing uncertainty. On Tuesday morning, oil prices in Asian trading sessions showed an upward trend. According to market analyst Fawad Razaqzada of City Index and Forex.com, traders are increasingly focused on the physical flow of oil through the Strait of Hormuz rather than diplomatic statements, noting significant disruptions to current supply movements.
Recent shipping data indicates that at least six Iranian oil tankers were forced to turn back in recent days due to US restrictions. Iran’s Foreign Ministry condemned these incidents, describing them as acts of “piracy and armed robbery at sea”.
Before the conflict escalated, between 125 and 140 vessels passed daily through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy corridor. However, in the past 24 hours, only seven vessels have reportedly used the route, none of which were carrying oil destined for global markets.
| Indicator | Situation Before Conflict | Current Situation |
|---|---|---|
| Daily vessels through Strait of Hormuz | 125–140 ships | 7 ships |
| Oil cargo vessels | Regular flow | None reported in last 24 hours |
| Iranian tankers affected by US measures | Not specified | At least 6 forced to turn back |
Iranian officials state that their proposal envisages a phased negotiation process. The first stage would require the United States and Israel to halt hostilities and provide assurances against renewed attacks. The second stage would involve lifting maritime blockades and restoring full operations in the Strait of Hormuz. The final stage would address the longstanding dispute over Iran’s nuclear programme.
Separately, Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi has indicated in comments to Russian media that the United States has sought talks after failing to achieve its objectives through current measures, although this account reflects the Iranian official position. The broader diplomatic process remains stalled as both sides maintain firm and divergent conditions for negotiations.