Peace deal hopes fade as Trump rejects ‘garbage’ Iran proposal

Hopes for a peace deal between the United States and Iran faded on Tuesday after US President Donald Trump dismissed Tehran’s response to a US proposal as “garbage” and said the ceasefire was “on life support.”

Trump said he did not finish reading Iran’s counterproposal, which reiterated demands including an end to the US naval blockade, compensation for war damage and recognition of Iran’s sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz.

“I would call it the weakest right now, after reading that piece of garbage they sent us. I didn’t even finish reading it,” Trump told reporters.

Iran’s response underscored the wide gap between the two sides despite weeks of diplomacy aimed at ending a conflict that has disrupted global energy supplies and pushed oil prices above $104 a barrel.

The United States had proposed extending the ceasefire and beginning talks on broader issues, including Iran’s nuclear program.

On Monday, Washington imposed new sanctions on individuals and companies it said were helping Iran ship oil to China.

Trump is scheduled to arrive in Beijing on Wednesday for talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, with Iran expected to be a central topic.

Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains sharply reduced. The waterway normally carries about one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas exports.

A Reuters/Ipsos poll released Monday found that two-thirds of Americans believe Trump has not clearly explained the goals of US military involvement in Iran.

The State Department said Secretary of State Marco Rubio held calls Monday with his British and Australian counterparts to discuss efforts to restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is expected to meet officials in Qatar on Tuesday to discuss the conflict and maritime security in the Gulf.