President Donald Trump rejected Iran’s response to the latest U.S. ceasefire proposal on Sunday, calling Tehran’s reply “TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE!” as tensions continued around the Strait of Hormuz.
“I have just read the response from Iran’s so-called ‘Representatives.’ I don’t like it — TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE! Thank you for your attention to this matter,” Trump wrote in a May 10 Truth Social post.
Iran Sends Response Through Mediators
Iran submitted its response through Pakistani mediators, according to The Associated Press. Tehran is seeking negotiations aimed at permanently ending the war, including fighting in Lebanon, where Israel is battling the Iranian-backed Hezbollah terrorist group.
The U.S. proposal reportedly centers on ending the war, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and rolling back Iran’s nuclear program.
Hormuz Shipping Pressure Builds
The rejection comes as the fragile ceasefire faces new pressure across the Persian Gulf. A drone reportedly ignited a small fire on a ship off Qatar, while the United Arab Emirates said it shot down two drones and blamed Iran. Kuwait also reported drones entering its airspace. Officials reported no casualties, and no group immediately claimed responsibility.
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz said the Trump administration is giving diplomacy “every chance we possibly can before going back to hostilities.”
As previously reported by The Dallas Express, commercial shipping near the Strait of Hormuz has remained under pressure throughout the conflict. On May 3, multiple small craft attacked a bulk carrier near the waterway, according to the ship’s master. The following day, U.S. forces reportedly clashed with Iranian assets while working to restore access through the Strait.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important energy chokepoints, carrying a major share of global oil and natural gas shipments. Iran has largely blocked the waterway since the war began, while the U.S. military has maintained a blockade of Iranian ports since April 13.
Trump’s pressure campaign has centered on forcing Iran to reopen the shipping route while accepting restrictions on its nuclear program.
Nuclear Program Remains Key Sticking Point
Another major obstacle is Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium. The U.N. nuclear agency says Iran has more than 440 kilograms, or roughly 970 pounds, of uranium enriched up to 60% purity, a short technical step from weapons-grade material.
Iran has also warned against a planned French-British maritime security effort in the Strait of Hormuz after hostilities end.
“The presence of French and British vessels, or those of any other country, for any possible cooperation with illegal U.S. actions in the Strait of Hormuz that violate international law will be met with a decisive and immediate response from the armed forces,” Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said on social media.
French President Emmanuel Macron said the effort would not be a military deployment, but an international mission to help secure shipping once conditions allow.
Trump’s rejection leaves the ceasefire talks uncertain as Washington presses Tehran over maritime access, nuclear restrictions, and regional attacks.
