Trump rejects Iran response as Gulf States push to preserve ceasefire
US President Donald Trump on Sunday rejected Iran’s latest response to a US proposal aimed at ending the conflict between the two sides, calling it “TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE” in a post on Truth Social.
His remarks came after Iranian state media reported that Tehran had sent its reply through Pakistani mediators involved in ongoing ceasefire diplomacy.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian defended talks with Washington, saying negotiations are intended to protect Iran’s rights “not surrender.”
“If there is any talk of dialogue or negotiation, it does not mean backing down,” Pezeshkian said, adding that Iran “will never bow before the enemy.”
Fragile truce faces growing pressure
Regional tensions have remained high since US and Israeli strikes on Iran on Feb. 28 triggered retaliatory attacks by Tehran against Israel and US allies in the Gulf, along with the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
A Pakistan-mediated ceasefire took effect on April 8, but negotiations in Islamabad failed to produce a lasting agreement. Trump later extended the truce without setting a deadline to allow diplomacy to continue.
Meanwhile, despite a separate ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, Israeli strikes and clashes with Hezbollah have continued.
Qatar, Saudi Arabia call for de-escalation
Qatar and Saudi Arabia on Sunday renewed calls for dialogue and regional stability amid fears of renewed escalation.
Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan discussed efforts to preserve the US-Iran ceasefire and stressed the need for peaceful solutions.
According to the Qatari Foreign Ministry, both sides urged all parties to support mediation efforts aimed at reaching a sustainable agreement and preventing further conflict.
Source:AA
