Trump: Iran Ceasefire on ‘Massive Life Support’

President Trump described Iran’s counterproposal as “a piece of garbage” and declared “Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon,” saying Iran has “been defeated militarily.” He said the April 7, 2026, truce between the United States and Iran is on “massive life support” after Tehran rejected key U.S. terms.

The truce was established on April 7 following weeks of military escalation. U.S. officials made removal of highly enriched uranium from Iranian territory a central condition of any durable agreement. Iran’s counterproposal omitted that demand and instead sought compensation for war damage, the resumption of oil sales and guarantees against developing nuclear arms.

Iranian officials rejected the U.S. characterization. Ebrahim Rezaei, a parliamentary spokesperson, warned Tehran could resume enriching uranium to 90% purity — a level considered weapons-grade — and cautioned that Iran would take military action if attacked.

Markets reacted to the diplomatic setback. Brent crude futures rose about 2.7% after news of the breakdown and threats near the Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint through which roughly one-fifth of global oil flows each day. The United Kingdom announced it would deploy resources to help secure the strait. Israel sent anti-missile defenses to the United Arab Emirates.

Financial markets sensitive to geopolitical risk also moved. Historical episodes of tension in the Strait of Hormuz have coincided with roughly 3% drops in Bitcoin as institutional investors reduce exposure to risk during energy shocks. Iran has previously used cryptocurrencies to work around sanctions and to facilitate oil trade. Officials responsible for sanctions compliance noted that a full breakdown in negotiations could prompt stricter enforcement across cryptocurrency exchanges, particularly those with significant trading volumes tied to the Middle East.

U.S. officials say removal of Iran’s stockpiles of highly enriched uranium remains the central term for any lasting deal. Tehran’s counterproposal seeks reparations and restored oil revenues and rejects external control over its nuclear materials. No new rounds of formal negotiations have been announced publicly since the counterproposal was rejected.