IRIA News

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Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Iran would “never bow before the enemy” after U.S. President Donald Trump rejected Tehran’s counterproposal on May 11, 2026, aimed at ending the 10-week war in the Middle East, calling it “totally unacceptable.”

The rejection comes amid ongoing fighting that has disrupted energy flows and heightened instability along key global shipping routes, including the Strait of Hormuz, as tensions continue to escalate across the region.

Trump said on social media that he had reviewed Iran’s response and dismissed it outright, stating: “I don’t like it, TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE!”

Donald Trump has said the ceasefire with Iran is on “life support”. Referring to the latest proposal, Trump said that while the ceasefire remained in place, it was “the weakest, right now, after reading that piece of garbage they sent us – I didn’t even finish reading it.”

The proposal marked a sharp exchange between Washington and Tehran after the U.S. put forward a framework to halt hostilities and begin broader negotiations. However, the breakdown in talks has now extended the conflict, with both sides hardening their positions.

Iranian officials described the U.S. proposal as effectively demanding surrender. Tehran insisted its response was based on defending national interests and rejecting external pressure.

“I have just read the response from Iran’s so-called ‘Representatives.’ I don’t like it — TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE! Thank you for your attention to this matter.” -President DONALD J. TRUMP pic.twitter.com/MIQDS9Ujjy

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) May 10, 2026

Iran Rejects “Surrender”

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian struck a defiant tone, saying: “We will never bow our heads before the enemy, and if talk of dialogue or negotiation arises, it does not mean surrender or retreat.”

Tehran’s counterproposal reportedly included demands such as war reparations, the lifting of sanctions, full sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz, and access to frozen Iranian assets.

Iranian officials also emphasized that their position was a “legitimate” response to what they described as economic and military pressure.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei defended Iran’s stance, stating: “Our demand is legitimate: demanding an end to the war, lifting the blockade and piracy, and releasing Iranian assets.”

Nuclear Dispute Remains Unresolved

A central issue in the standoff remains Iran’s nuclear program. The United States has demanded assurances that Iran will end uranium enrichment as part of any peace deal. Iran, however, has refused to dismantle its nuclear facilities.

Reports indicate that Iran has proposed suspending uranium enrichment for a limited period, shorter than the 20-year freeze suggested by Washington.

Tehran has also suggested transferring enriched uranium to a third country, with conditions allowing its return if the U.S. withdraws from any future agreement.

The disagreement over enrichment and inspections continues to block diplomatic progress, with both sides holding firm positions.

Israel Signals Continued Military Pressure

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the war is not yet over, saying there is “more work to be done.”

Netanyahu argued that Iran has not surrendered its enriched uranium, has not dismantled its nuclear facilities, and continues to support regional armed groups and ballistic missile development.

His remarks underline Israel’s continued alignment with U.S. concerns and its willingness to maintain pressure on Iran if diplomatic efforts fail.

Tensions around the Strait of Hormuz remain a major global concern. Iran has demanded an end to what it describes as a U.S. blockade of Iranian ports, while also insisting on control and security guarantees over the strategic waterway.

The Strait is one of the world’s most critical energy routes, and disruptions have already affected global oil and liquefied natural gas flows.

Reports indicate that shipping through the region remains limited, with only a small number of tankers passing through under heightened security conditions.

A Qatari liquefied natural gas tanker recently crossed the strait in what was described as a confidence-building step, but overall traffic remains significantly reduced compared to pre-war levels.

Regional Escalation and Drone Attacks

Military tensions have also expanded beyond Iran’s borders. The United Arab Emirates reported intercepting drones launched from Iranian direction, while Qatar condemned a drone strike that hit a cargo vessel in its waters. Kuwait also reported encountering hostile drones entering its airspace.

Iranian Army spokesperson Brig. Gen. Mohammad Akraminia warned of “surprising options” if adversaries continue what Tehran views as miscalculations, adding that future escalation could take the conflict into “unanticipated areas.”

Iran’s state media also reported that its newly designated leadership has issued “decisive directives” for ongoing military operations, though no further details were provided.

Oil Markets React to Continued Instability

Global energy markets have reacted sharply to the ongoing uncertainty. Oil prices rose significantly as traders assessed the risk of prolonged disruption in the Strait of Hormuz.

U.S. crude futures climbed close to 100 dollars per barrel, while Brent crude rose above 105 dollars per barrel. Analysts say markets remain highly sensitive to developments in the conflict, with a persistent risk premium driven by supply concerns.

Experts note that even limited disruptions in the Strait can have global consequences due to its role in transporting a significant share of the world’s oil and gas supply.

China’s Role and Upcoming Diplomatic Pressure

The conflict is also expected to feature prominently in upcoming high-level talks between the United States and China. U.S. President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, where the Iran war is expected to be a key topic.

Washington has urged Beijing to use its influence to encourage Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and de-escalate tensions. However, China’s position remains cautious, balancing its strategic partnership with Tehran against its interest in stable global energy markets.

Chinese officials recently hosted Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and reaffirmed their strategic ties with Iran while calling for a diplomatic resolution to the conflict.

With both Washington and Tehran refusing to compromise on key demands, the path forward remains unclear. Diplomatic efforts have stalled, military activity continues in multiple regions, and global markets remain on edge.

As the conflict enters a more entrenched phase, the combination of nuclear disputes, maritime insecurity, and regional escalation suggests that a rapid resolution is unlikely in the near term.