Trump doubts ceasefire – tense wait in Iran

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Trump doubts ceasefire – tense wait in Iran

Negotiations to resolve the conflict between the US and Iran are stuck. The US President gives the fragile ceasefire only a small chance of survival. There is mistrust in Iran.

Shortly before US President Donald Trump’s trip to China, there is still uncertainty about the future of the Iran war. Trump publicly questioned the ceasefire that had lasted for almost five weeks. The reason for this was the “stupid proposal” from Tehran to end the war, he said in Washington. “She’s the weakest she’s ever been after reading this crap.” Meanwhile, there is great mistrust in Iran.

Parliamentary circles in Tehran said on Tuesday that the Iranian government believes a resurgence of fighting is likely. A well-informed source said there were no developments regarding the negotiations between Tehran and Washington. From an Iranian perspective, however, Trump’s trip to China is linked to the hope that President Xi Jinping could contribute to a possible de-escalation.

At the end of February, the USA and Israel attacked Iran and bombed nuclear facilities, missile sites and command centers in Tehran and large parts of the country. Iran responds with attacks on Israel and Gulf states with US military bases. Iran’s military is also restricting shipping traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the most important chokepoints for global energy trade.

At the beginning of April, the conflicting parties agreed on a ceasefire. However, negotiations for a permanent end to the war have reached an impasse. Key points of contention include Iran’s nuclear and missile programs, support for militant groups in the region and control of the Strait of Hormuz. With the mediation of Pakistan, representatives of the USA and Iran had exchanged proposals for a diplomatic solution in recent weeks.

According to state media, the plan currently presented by Iran states that the USA would have to pay reparations for the war damage caused in Iran. The Islamic Republic is also demanding full sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz, an end to sanctions against the country and the release of confiscated Iranian assets. According to reports, the dispute over the Iranian nuclear program played no role in the answer.

On Monday evening (local time), Trump wanted to discuss further action with his national security team, as the news portal “Axios” reported, citing US officials. In addition to Vice President JD Vance, special envoy Steve Witkoff, CIA chief John Ratcliffe, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Chief of Staff Dan Caine are also said to have taken part in the meeting.

Trump accused the leadership in Tehran of not keeping promises. Iran initially agreed that the USA would take the enriched uranium out of the country. “But they changed their mind because it wasn’t in the paper,” Trump said.