President Donald Trump speaks at a dinner for members of his administration and law enforcement organization leaders, during National Police Week, in the White House Rose Garden, on May 11, 2026, in Washington JULIA DEMAREE NIKHINSON / AP
President Donald Trump warned the ceasefire in the Middle East war was on "life support" Monday after rejecting the latest counteroffer from Iran, which said its military stood ready to respond to any act of aggression. The president's angry reaction to Iran's position – delivered in response to a US proposal – sent oil prices soaring and dashed hopes that a deal could be quickly negotiated to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping.
After slamming the reply as "TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE," Trump insisted the United States would see a "complete victory" over Iran, adding that the truce which has largely halted fighting in the Gulf for over a month was on its last legs. "The ceasefire is on massive life support, where the doctor walks in and says, 'Sir, your loved one has approximately a 1% chance of living,'" he told reporters on Monday.
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Trump downplays threat to Iran ceasefire after exchange of attacks
