United States President Donald Trump stated on Monday that the ceasefire with Iran was "on life support" following his dismissal of Tehran's reply to a US peace proposal. He described Iran's response as a "piece of garbage" and said he did not finish reading it. The fragile truce, in place since early April, has been strained by ongoing tensions around the Strait of Hormuz.
The US had proposed a temporary halt to hostilities ahead of negotiations on contentious issues, including Iran's nuclear programme. Tehran rejected the proposal, demanding an end to regional conflicts, particularly in Lebanon, where Israel is engaged with Hezbollah. Iran also called for compensation for war damage, removal of sanctions, release of frozen assets, and guarantees against future attacks.
Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baghaei, defended the country's position, calling its demands "legitimate" and "generous." He cited the need to end what Iran describes as a US naval blockade and ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran insists on maintaining its sovereign rights over the strategic waterway, through which nearly one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas flowed before the conflict began on February 28.
Global energy markets reacted sharply to the diplomatic breakdown. Brent crude futures rose 2.7 percent to $104 per barrel on Monday. Shipping activity through the strait has drastically declined, with only three crude oil tankers exiting last week. Data from Kpler and LSEG show many vessels are operating with tracking systems disabled due to fears of Iranian attacks. OPEC oil output in April fell to its lowest level in over two decades as major producers cut exports.
A second Qatari liquefied natural gas tanker attempted to pass through the strait under a coordination arrangement involving Iran and Pakistan. Sporadic clashes continue to test the ceasefire, despite the broader halt in direct fighting.
Trump calls the ceasefire "on life support" while dismissing Iran's response without reading it in full, undermining the seriousness of diplomatic engagement. His refusal to engage with Tehran's conditions, which include ending regional fighting and lifting sanctions, makes any resolution appear remote. Nigerians reliant on stable global fuel prices face continued risk as disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz persist. The standoff offers no clear path to de-escalation, leaving markets and civilians exposed to further shocks.
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