Trump Rejects Iran Offer as Peace Talks Collapse Over War Conditions

Mintesinot Niggusie

Global efforts to halt the 10-week war in the Middle East stalled after U.S. President Donald Trump rejected Iran’s counterproposal, describing it as “totally unacceptable” and signalling a deepening diplomatic impasse.

The breakdown in talks follows competing demands from Washington and Tehran, with Iran insisting on conditions that include war reparations, the lifting of sanctions, full sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz and the release of frozen assets. Iranian state media characterised the U.S. position as a demand for surrender.

“I have just read the response from Iran’s so-called ‘Representatives.’ I don’t like it — TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE!” Trump said in a post on Truth Social on Sunday.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian rejected the notion that negotiations implied concession, saying dialogue would not amount to retreat. “We will never bow our heads before the enemy,” he said in remarks posted on X, translated via Grok.

The dispute has also centred on Iran’s nuclear programme, with Tehran resisting U.S. demands to dismantle enrichment infrastructure. According to reporting by The Wall Street Journal, Iran has instead proposed separate talks and suggested diluting parts of its highly enriched uranium stockpile while transferring the remainder abroad under conditional terms.

The United States has maintained that any agreement must include a full end to Iran’s nuclear programme. Tehran, however, has reportedly only agreed to a temporary suspension of uranium enrichment, rejecting a long-term moratorium and refusing to dismantle its facilities.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in an interview with CBS News that the conflict remained unresolved, arguing that Iran had not met key conditions related to its nuclear programme and regional military activities. Iranian military officials issued warnings of further escalation, with Army spokesperson Brigadier General Mohammad Akraminia referring to “surprising options” in the event of renewed attacks.

Diplomatic engagement has shifted toward Asia, with Beijing hosting Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi last week. The unresolved conflict is also expected to feature in an upcoming meeting between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, where Washington is seeking broader international pressure to restore stability to maritime routes through the Strait of Hormuz.