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A massive billboard in Tehran’s Revolution Square shows Iranian troops using a net to capture US fighter aircraft, visible on April 28, 2026. — AFP
– Oil prices rise above $104 per barrel.
– Netanyahu insists Iran must remove uranium.
– Warning issued to foreign vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
Washington: President Donald Trump condemned Iran’s recent proposal to end Middle East hostilities as “completely unacceptable,” signaling a high chance of renewed conflict after several weeks of diplomatic talks.
Iran responded to the latest peace offer from the US earlier in the day, emphasizing it would not hesitate to retaliate against any new American strikes or prevent additional foreign warships from entering the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump offered no specifics regarding Tehran’s counteroffer but quickly dismissed it on his Truth Social account, declaring it “TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE” after reviewing Iran’s response from its representatives.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whose forces launched hostilities against Iran alongside the US military on February 28, stated the conflict isn’t over until Iran’s uranium enrichment activities are halted and its nuclear sites dismantled.
Tehran maintains a defiant stance publicly, despite behind-the-scenes negotiations. President Masoud Pezeshkian told X that Iran would never submit to its enemies, stressing that dialogue doesn’t mean surrender or retreat.
Iran’s official IRIB broadcaster reports that Tehran’s reply—delivered through mediators in Pakistan—calls for ending the conflict “on all fronts, especially Lebanon,” where Israel continues fighting Iran-backed Hezbollah, and ensuring the security of shipping lanes. The message lacks detailed specifics, but the US’s proposal reportedly aimed to extend a ceasefire in the Gulf waters to facilitate final negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program and broader peace talks.
Global energy markets reacted nervously, with oil prices leaping sharply at opening. Brent crude climbed 2.69%, reaching $104.01 a barrel for August delivery.
In an interview aired Sunday, Netanyahu reiterated that Iran must relinquish its stockpile of enriched uranium for the war to end. “It’s not over yet,” he said on CBS’s 60 Minutes, pointing out the need to dismantle remaining enrichment sites.
President Trump reportedly plans to discuss Iran with Chinese President Xi Jinping during his upcoming trip to Beijing, focusing on Iran’s nuclear activities and regional role, a senior US official said.
Iran has also made its own demands. According to The Wall Street Journal, Tehran wants guarantees that any transferred uranium—some to be diluted, the rest sent to third countries—will be returned if negotiations break down or if the US withdraws from the agreement later.
Trump did not address these details publicly, but he dismissed Iran’s response following its delivery via Pakistani mediators.
Earlier, Iran imposed a blockade on the Strait of Hormuz early in the year, causing a spike in worldwide oil prices and unsettling markets. While Iran has established a system for tolls from ships passing through, US officials consider it unacceptable for Tehran to control such a crucial international route, which handles about one-fifth of global oil supplies. Meanwhile, the US Navy enforces a blockade, occasionally diverting or disabling ships headed to Iranian ports.
Britain and France are spearheading efforts to form a global coalition to secure the strait after a peace accord is achieved. Both nations have deployed naval vessels to the region and will host a defense ministers’ meeting involving over 40 nations to coordinate plans for reopening trade routes through the Strait of Hormuz, the British government announced.
Iran warned Sunday that any deployment of foreign warships to the strait would prompt a “decisive and immediate response.” Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi posted on X that only Iran can establish security there and would oppose interference of any kind.
French President Emmanuel Macron later clarified that France’s stance is not to deploy naval forces but to support a “coordinated security mission” with Iran.
Recent drone attacks in the Gulf have heightened tensions, with the UAE claiming it successfully intercepted two drones launched from Iran. Kuwait reported an attempted attack, stating its forces intercepted hostile drones in airspace. Qatar’s defense ministry announced a freighter arriving from Abu Dhabi was hit by a drone.
There has been no immediate claim of responsibility. Iran’s Fars news agency reported that the ship struck near Qatar was flying a US flag at the time.
In a social media post Sunday, the Iranian parliament’s security spokesman, Ebrahim Rezaei, warned Washington that Iran’s previous restraint has ended. “Any attack on our vessels will trigger a strong and decisive response against American ships and bases,” he stated.
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