Kamal Ghorui
US President Donald Trump on Monday said the ceasefire with Iran was “on life support” after he rejected Tehran’s response to its proposal, raising fears of renewed escalation in the 10-week-old conflict that has remained under a fragile ceasefire since April 8.Days after Washington floated a proposal aimed at restarting negotiations with Tehran, Iran on Sunday responded with demands focused on ending the war across the region, including in Lebanon, where Israel continues to fight the Iran-backed Hezbollah. Trump swiftly dismissed Tehran’s response.Asked about the status of the ceasefire, Trump told reporters, “I would call it the weakest right now, after reading that piece of garbage they sent us. I didn’t even finish reading it”, Reuters reported.Iran’s response reportedly called for compensation for war damage, recognition of its sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz, an end to the US naval blockade, guarantees against future attacks, lifting of sanctions and removal of restrictions on Iranian oil sales. Tehran later said these were not concessions, but the country’s “legitimate rights”, while accusing the US of pursuing a “one-sided approach”.Washington had proposed halting hostilities before moving to negotiations on more contentious issues, including Iran’s nuclear programme.Defending Tehran’s position, Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said, “Our demand is legitimate: demanding an end to the war, lifting the (US) blockade and piracy, and releasing Iranian assets that have been unjustly frozen in banks due to US pressure.”“Safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz and establishing security in the region and Lebanon were other demands of Iran, which are considered a generous and responsible offer,” he added.
