President Donald Trump on Sunday rejected Iran's response to a US proposal for peace talks, calling it "TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE" on Truth Social. The rejection comes as mounting pressure from US citizens over rising gas prices caused by the Iranian blockade of the Strait of Hormuz continues to build.
Iran's proposal, forwarded through Pakistani mediators, called for an immediate end to the war on all fronts, a halt to the US naval blockade, and lifting of sanctions. Despite a month-old ceasefire, hostile drones were detected over several Gulf countries on Sunday, including the UAE and Kuwait.
Two ships passed through the strait for the first time since the war began: a Qatari LNG carrier and a Panama-flagged bulk carrier. The transit offered some relief to Pakistan, which has suffered blackouts due to halted gas imports.
With Trump due to visit China this week, the war has ignited a global energy crisis. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the war was not over, insisting on the removal of enriched uranium from Iran. Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian vowed to "defend national interests with strength."
International tensions remain high as Britain and France prepare to deploy warships for a potential mission to ensure safe transit. Iran warned any such deployment would be met with force.