Relations between the United States and Iran are entering a new period of tension, despite the fragile ceasefire maintained over the past month. Just days before the meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing, Tehran is signaling that Washington should not interpret the current situation as diplomatic or military dominance, while the US is even considering the possibility of restarting extensive military operations.
Ali Akbar Velayati, a close advisor to Iran’s Supreme Leader, launched a fierce attack against Trump through statements broadcast by Tasnim News Agency. “Mr. Trump, don’t believe you can exploit today’s calm in Iran and appear as a victor in Beijing,” he said characteristically. He also argued that “the US was defeated on the battlefield” and warned that Washington cannot take even a diplomatic victory for granted. “Don’t think you will emerge victorious in diplomacy as well,” he said.
Trump compares Iran ceasefire to “patient on life support”
For his part, Donald Trump stated on Monday that the ceasefire between the US and Iran is on “massive life support.” Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, the American president compared the situation to a patient with minimal chances of survival.
“I would say the ceasefire is on massive life support… when the doctor walks into the room and says ‘sir, your loved one has about a 1% chance of living,'” he said. He characterized the Iranian leadership as “very dishonest people” and added that “they constantly change their minds.”
Trump: “We thought the Kurds were gonna give us weapons. but the Kurds disappointed us. The Kurds take take take.” pic.twitter.com/ipU35ig4Sw
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) May 11, 2026
The new escalation followed Washington’s rejection of the counter-proposal Tehran sent on Sunday for ending the war and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Trump characterized the proposal as “completely unacceptable” and “garbage,” writing on the Truth Social platform: “Just read the response from Iran’s so-called ‘representatives.’ I don’t like it – COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE.”
The American president also stated that Iran withdrew from an agreement that would allow the US to remove the country’s enriched uranium stockpile. “They will never acquire nuclear weapons,” he emphasized. However, a source close to the Iranian negotiating team, according to Tasnim, denied that the proposal included acceptance of removing nuclear material from the country.
Tehran’s proposal
According to the Iranian agency, Tehran’s proposal includes:
- immediate end to war on all fronts,
- cessation of the American naval blockade of Iranian ports,
- guarantees that there will be no new attacks against Iran,
- compensation for war damages,
- recognition of Iranian sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz.
The reference to ending conflicts “on all fronts” also concerns ongoing Israeli attacks against Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei characterized the Iranian proposals as “responsible” and “generous,” warning that Tehran will act “in every necessary way to secure its interests.”
Ghalibaf to US: “Accepting Iranian proposal is the only way”
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf argued that accepting Iran’s 14-point proposal is the only way forward for the United States.
“There is no alternative but to recognize the rights of the Iranian people as outlined in the 14-point proposal,” he wrote on platform X. “Any other approach will be absolutely ineffective,” he noted, adding that “the more they delay, the greater the cost will be for American taxpayers.”
Meanwhile, Ghalibaf warned that Iranian armed forces are “ready to respond and teach a lesson to any aggressive action.”
Pressure increases in Washington for tougher stance against Iran
According to sources close to consultations in Washington, Donald Trump appears increasingly disappointed with how Iran is handling the negotiations. American government officials estimate that the president is now more seriously considering the possibility of restarting major military operations.
Trump is reportedly frustrated both by the continued disruption of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and by internal disagreements within Iranian leadership that, according to American assessments, prevent substantial concessions on the nuclear issue. Within the American government, there are different approaches to next steps.
Some officials, mainly in the Pentagon, recommend a more aggressive pressure strategy toward Tehran, even with targeted strikes that would further weaken Iran’s position. Others continue to argue that time should be given to diplomacy.
American criticism of Pakistan for mediation in Iran contacts
According to American sources, officials in Trump’s circle believe that mediators from Pakistan are not conveying American displeasure to Tehran with sufficient clarity.
Some officials also argue that Islamabad presents a more positive picture of Iranian positions to the US than corresponds to reality.
A regional official stated that an intense diplomatic effort is underway by regional countries and Pakistan to make it clear to Iran that this is the “last opportunity” for serious diplomatic engagement.
New Trump meeting with national security team before China trip
Donald Trump met again on Monday with the national security team at the White House to examine available options.
However, according to sources familiar with the discussions, final decisions are not expected to be made before the American president’s departure for China, which is scheduled for Tuesday afternoon.
