Trump says Iran ceasefire 'gasping for life'

US President Donald Trump on May 10 declared the ceasefire with Iran 'gasping for life' after he rejected Tehran's response to the US peace proposal, calling it 'stupid.' The remark stoked fears the 10-week conflict would drag on and continue to paralyze shipping through the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

Speaking to reporters, Trump said the ceasefire 'is at its weakest right now after reading the garbage they sent us.' He added: 'I haven't even finished reading it. It's gasping for life.'

Washington had earlier put forward a proposal to revive talks. On May 10, Iran released its response, focusing on ending the war on all fronts, including in Lebanon, where US ally Israel is fighting Iran-backed Hezbollah forces.

Tehran also demanded war reparations, asserted sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz, called on the US to end its naval blockade, guarantee no further attacks, lift sanctions, and cancel the ban on Iran's oil sales.

Trump also stated on May 11 that Iran was ready to hand over 'nuclear dust' to the US related to enriched uranium stockpiles, and that only China and the US could retrieve it.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei defended Tehran's proposal, saying Iran's demands were 'reasonable.' He declared: 'The only thing we request is Iran's legitimate rights.'

Efforts to reach a deal between the US and Iran have so far proved fruitless. Trump threatens a return to war without a series of concessions that Tehran considers maximal and incompatible with its sovereignty. Iranian officials also express distrust of the US, noting Washington had previously attacked Iran during negotiations.

Al Jazeera correspondent Tohid Asadi, reporting from Tehran, said: 'There is a cloud of doubt when it comes to the US. Iranians say they have taken part in negotiations not once, but twice in the past year, while their country faced unprecedented US and Israeli airstrikes. And now they seek security guarantees to make sure that this time they will not again fall into a trap, a vicious cycle of war, ceasefire, and then conflict again.'

The uncertainty surrounding the conflict continues to roil the global economy, as the Strait of Hormuz—a critical Gulf oil artery—remains effectively closed. The US is blockading Iranian ports to cut off the country's ability to export oil.

Baghei added: 'Our demands are legitimate: a request to end the war, lift the US blockade and piracy, and release Iran's assets unjustly frozen in banks under US pressure. Safe transit through the Strait of Hormuz and establishing security in the region and Lebanon are other demands by Iran, considered a generous and responsible offer.'