Tensions between the United States and Iran remain elevated as Tehran declared its readiness to respond to ‘any aggression,’ following US President Donald Trump’s assertion that the fragile ceasefire was on ‘massive life support.’ Trump had earlier rejected Iran’s latest peace proposal, labeling it ‘stupid.’
Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Iran’s parliamentary speaker, stated that Iranian forces are prepared to retaliate if attacked, cautioning that the US would be ‘surprised’ by their response. This sharp exchange has intensified uncertainty surrounding diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict, which has already triggered a global energy crisis. Despite the current stalemate, Trump continues to maintain that a negotiated solution is still achievable.
**Developments in Iran:**
Iranian authorities announced the seizure of six properties allegedly linked to former national football captain Ali Karimi, an exiled critic of Iran. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated Iran’s call for an end to the conflict and the release of its frozen assets in response to the latest US peace proposal, emphasizing its pursuit of ‘legitimate rights.’
**War Diplomacy:**
* **Stalled Negotiations:** Trump dismissed Iran’s recent response to the US peace proposal, while Tehran accused Washington of making ‘unreasonable’ demands. Trump is scheduled to visit China on Tuesday to meet President Xi Jinping amidst the ongoing conflict.
* **Unresolved Core Demands:** Trump’s primary objective is to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, claiming Tehran had previously agreed to remove all enriched uranium before reversing its stance. Iran, conversely, seeks ‘sufficient guarantees’ that war will not re-erupt, citing deep mistrust.
* **Escalation Risk:** Analyst Dania Thafer noted that stalled US-Iran talks indicate both sides are ‘speaking past each other,’ warning that pressure tactics, such as disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, could exacerbate the conflict, harm the regional economy, and solidify tensions into a prolonged ‘frozen conflict.’
* **Hormuz Security Meeting:** The United Kingdom and France are set to host defense ministers from 40 countries on Tuesday to discuss strategies for restoring trade flows through the vital Strait of Hormuz.
* **New Sanctions:** The US imposed sanctions on 12 individuals and entities involved in Iranian oil sales to China, shortly after the UK implemented similar measures.
**In the United States:**
Trump dismissed Tehran’s response to the latest US peace proposal as ‘stupid’ and ‘garbage,’ amid concerns that the conflict could further disrupt shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Al Jazeera’s Mike Hanna reported that rising diesel costs, linked to the war and Hormuz disruptions, are driving up transport and supermarket prices across the US, despite Trump’s assurances that the economic impact will eventually subside. Trump also expressed a desire to suspend the federal gas tax to alleviate pressure from increasing fuel prices.
**In Israel:**
Shmuel Zakay, Israel’s civil aviation chief, cautioned that significant US military activity at Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion airport is interfering with civilian flights, delaying the return of foreign airlines, and increasing ticket prices ahead of the busy summer travel season.
**In Lebanon:**
Lebanese officials urged the US ambassador in Beirut to pressure Israel to cease its attacks on the country, as Israeli strikes persisted despite the ceasefire. Reporting from Tyre, Al Jazeera’s Obaida Hitto observed that many residents who had recently returned after weeks of displacement are now refusing to leave again, despite intensifying Israeli attacks. Frustration is mounting over repeated displacement, family separation, and prolonged disruptions to children’s education.
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