Tensions between the United States and Iran have risen again as the ceasefire process is reportedly on "life support", according to President Donald Trump after rejecting the latest peace proposal from Tehran.
Trump described Iran's response to the American offer as not serious, describing it as "junk" and claiming that he had not continued reading the document. The statement signaled that the space for diplomacy is shrinking in an effort to ease the long-running conflict.
Iran had previously said it would present counter-conditions including the lifting of Washington's naval blockade and the easing of economic sanctions, while maintaining control of the strategic Strait of Hormuz. The demands are seen as a red line that the US has yet to agree to.
In Washington, Trump did not give certainty whether military action would resume if Iran did not comply with the American conditions. However, he had previously considered steps to reactivate ship escort operations in the key oil route, which has added to the risk of regional tensions.
Although the tone of the hawkish rhetoric continues to dominate, Trump has left room for a diplomatic solution, saying it is “very possible”, while at the same time repeating the unproven claim that Iran has intentions related to nuclear development.
So far, Tehran has shown no sign of backing down from its main stance, including its nuclear program, thus maintaining the stalemate in the ongoing negotiations.
This situation has also had an impact on global markets as the price of Brent crude oil rose to around $104 per barrel, reflecting concerns about global energy supply disruptions. Instability in the Middle East continues to be a major factor in the pressure on global energy markets.
At the same time, the conflict, which also involves tensions in Lebanon between Israel and the Hezbollah group, has claimed thousands of lives and increased regional geopolitical risks, thus adding to the pressure on a global economy already fragile due to the energy crisis.
Although Washington is still considering several measures to reduce the impact of rising fuel costs on consumers, the current situation shows that a short-term solution is still difficult to achieve in the near future.
