Washington, May 11, 2026 — US President Donald Trump has described the ongoing ceasefire process with Iran as being “on life support,” warning that the chances of salvaging the fragile truce are now extremely slim.
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Trump said the peace process had only a “1 percent chance” of survival after Tehran responded to a US-backed proposal with what he called an “unacceptable” and “foolish” counteroffer.
“This is a proposal nobody could accept,” Trump said, adding that Washington still possesses “the best plan ever” to ensure Iran never develops nuclear weapons.
The US president claimed Iran had initially agreed to remove its stockpile of enriched uranium but later reversed its position in the written response sent to Washington.
“They told us we could take it away. We moved forward based on that understanding, but then they changed their minds,” Trump said.
Trump also intensified his rhetoric against Iranian leaders, calling them “crazy” and accusing Tehran of making a “huge strategic mistake” through missile attacks targeting Gulf region interests. He warned that any remaining Iranian military capabilities could be destroyed “within a day” if necessary.
Despite the sharp tone, Trump maintained that a diplomatic breakthrough remains possible.
“I think a deal is still possible,” he said. “We were close to an agreement four or five times, but they changed their position every time.”
Iran, however, rejected the US accusations, desribing Washington’s demands as “irrational” while insisting its own response was “realistic and balanced.” Tehran has repeatedly denied pursuing nuclear weapons, maintaining that its nuclear programme is intended for civilian purposes only.
The escalating tensions have raised fresh concerns across the Middle East, particularly around the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil shipping route. Analysts fear renewed military confrontation could destabilize energy markets and further inflame regional insecurity.
