Trump Warns Middle East Ceasefire Near Total Collapse

WASHINGTON: (Web Desk) – US President Donald Trump warned on Monday that the fragile Middle East ceasefire was close to collapse after rejecting Iran’s latest response to a US-backed proposal. Calling Tehran’s counteroffer “totally unacceptable,” Trump claimed the truce was barely surviving and predicted the United States would eventually secure a “complete victory” over Iran.

Iran quickly responded with strong warnings of its own. Parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated that Iranian armed forces were fully prepared to retaliate against any military aggression. He said poor political decisions by Washington were pushing the region toward dangerous consequences.

The escalating tensions rattled global energy markets, with oil prices surging sharply amid fears over instability in the Strait of Hormuz — one of the world’s most critical oil shipping routes. Saudi Aramco CEO Amin Nasser warned investors that the current disruption represented one of the largest energy supply shocks ever seen and said market recovery could take until 2027 if the waterway remains restricted.

Humanitarian concerns are also growing rapidly. United Nations Office for Project Services cautioned that disruptions in Gulf trade routes could trigger severe shortages of fertilizer and food supplies worldwide. UNOPS chief Jorge Moreira da Silva warned that millions more people could soon face hunger and starvation if the crisis continues.

Trump Says Iran Ceasefire Is on Life Support as Deal Hopes Fade

Iran’s foreign ministry said its proposal demanded an end to the US naval blockade, a halt to regional military operations, and the release of frozen Iranian assets held abroad. Tehran insisted these demands reflected its legitimate rights and not additional concessions.

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu maintained that the conflict would only end after Iran’s nuclear facilities were dismantled. Reports also suggested Tehran may consider diluting part of its enriched uranium stockpile while transferring the remaining material to another country.

The ongoing standoff has increased fears over shipping security in the Strait of Hormuz. Trump revealed he is considering restarting US naval escort missions for commercial tankers, although regional allies such as Saudi Arabia remain cautious about any action that could further escalate tensions.

The United States also announced fresh sanctions targeting individuals and companies accused of helping Iranian oil exports reach China. Iranian officials warned that any attacks on their vessels would be met with a decisive military response against American ships and bases in the region.

Trump additionally proposed suspending the US federal gasoline tax to help American consumers deal with rising fuel prices caused by the worsening Middle East crisis.