ISLAMABAD (MNN); US President Donald Trump has claimed that the ceasefire between the United States and Iran is hanging by a thread after both sides failed to agree on terms for launching negotiations aimed at ending the conflict, AFP reported.
Speaking to reporters during an event at the White House, Trump described the ceasefire as being on “massive life support”.
“The ceasefire is on massive life support, where the doctor walks in and says, ‘Sir, your loved one has approximately a one per cent chance of living,’” he remarked.
Trump also strongly criticised Iran’s latest peace proposal, calling it “stupid” and asserting that Iran’s military capabilities had been severely weakened.
During a maternal healthcare event at the White House, in remarks aired by Fox News, Trump said, “It’s a stupid proposal and nobody would take it — although Obama would have taken it, Biden would have taken it. What they took was far worse.”
He further claimed that Iran’s naval and air power had been significantly reduced, saying the country had lost most of its military assets.
Meanwhile, Iran’s ambassador to China, Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli, stated that Tehran supports Chinese President Xi Jinping’s four-point proposal aimed at promoting peace and stability in the Middle East, according to Al Jazeera.
Fazli said Iran’s support for the Chinese initiative is intended to help establish long-term security and shared development in the Persian Gulf region. The proposal had earlier been discussed during a meeting between President Xi and UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Beijing.
Separately, Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud appreciated Pakistan’s constructive role in promoting regional peace and stability, Pakistan’s Foreign Office said in a statement.
According to the statement, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a telephone conversation with his Saudi counterpart to discuss the evolving regional situation and other matters of mutual interest.
The Saudi foreign minister praised Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts, particularly regarding ongoing engagement between Iran and the United States, and reaffirmed support for Islamabad’s peace initiatives.
Both leaders also exchanged views on maritime security, including the importance of safeguarding shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz, and agreed to maintain close coordination on regional and global developments.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also discussed the latest diplomatic developments between Tehran and Washington, reportedly mediated by Pakistan, during a telephone conversation with the Saudi foreign minister, Iranian state media IRIB reported.
Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stressed that Iran’s battlefield “victory” should also be reinforced through diplomacy, saying the rights of the Iranian nation must be secured with dignity and authority, according to IRNA.
“While distrusting the enemy, we consider negotiation possible from a position of dignity, wisdom, and expediency,” Pezeshkian said, adding that Iran would honour any agreement reached in line with the guidance of the Supreme Leader and the interests of the Iranian people.
He said Iran now faced several possible paths, including dignified negotiations, remaining in a state of “neither war nor peace”, or continuing military confrontation.
The Iranian president emphasised that national interest and rationality demanded that military achievements be complemented by diplomatic success to secure Iran’s rights and interests on the global stage.
