Trump Rejects Iran Offer, Oil Prices Rise

Trump quickly shot down Iran’s reply to a U. S. peace plan, saying it was “totally unacceptable. ” The president posted the comment on Truth Social and gave no extra explanation. Iran’s response called for an end to fighting everywhere, especially in Lebanon where Israel battles Hezbollah fighters. It also demanded money for war damage and pushed for Iran’s control of the Strait of Hormuz. The Iranian state channel urged the U. S. to lift its naval blockade, stop sanctions and allow Iranian oil sales again. Oil prices jumped about three dollars a barrel after the news that the conflict might continue for weeks. The Strait of Hormuz, which handles about 20 % of the world’s oil, has become a flashpoint. The war is unpopular in America, where people face higher gasoline costs before the mid‑year elections.NATO allies have declined to send ships through the strait without a full peace deal, and no international force has been set up. Trump is headed to Beijing next week where he will ask China to pressure Tehran into a deal. He said U. S. forces are “defeated” but not finished, hinting that fighting may still continue. Israeli leaders say the conflict is not over until Iran’s nuclear program and missile forces are stopped. They believe diplomacy can remove enriched uranium, but force is not ruled out. Iran’s president posted that the country will never back down and will defend its interests strongly. Despite talks, tensions in the region stay high, with drone attacks and clashes in Lebanon persisting.