US–Iran Conflict Talks Stall as Trump Rejects Tehran Proposal, Oil Prices Surge Amid Hormuz Crisis
US–Iran Conflict Talks Stall as Trump Rejects Tehran Proposal, Oil Prices Surge Amid Hormuz Crisis
WASHINGTON / TEHRAN: Efforts to end the ongoing US-Israeli conflict with Iran have reached an impasse, as US President Donald Trump expressed dissatisfaction with the latest proposal from Tehran, escalating diplomatic tensions and deepening uncertainty over regional stability.
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According to US officials, Iran’s latest proposal suggested postponing discussions on its nuclear programme until after the conflict ends and maritime disputes in the Gulf are resolved. However, the Trump administration insists that nuclear issues must be addressed at the very beginning of any negotiation process.
In a statement on social media, President Trump claimed that Iran had informed Washington it was in a “state of collapse” and seeking US assistance to reopen the Strait of Hormuz while it determines its internal leadership situation. The White House did not clarify how such communication was received, and Tehran has not officially responded to the claim.
The conflict, which has intensified since late February, has severely disrupted global shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global energy supplies. Iran has reportedly restricted maritime traffic in the region, while US forces have imposed countermeasures targeting Iranian-linked vessels.
Iranian officials have maintained that the war is ongoing, rejecting any suggestion of internal collapse. Meanwhile, military and political shifts inside Iran have reportedly strengthened the influence of hardline factions within the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), further complicating diplomatic efforts.
Diplomatic efforts previously included mediation attempts involving Pakistan, where Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held multiple rounds of discussions. However, hopes for progress diminished after planned US diplomatic visits were cancelled.
The 2015 nuclear agreement, which once limited Iran’s nuclear activities, remains a key reference point in negotiations. That deal was unilaterally withdrawn by Trump during his first term, and its collapse continues to shape current tensions.
The ongoing conflict has also had a major economic impact, with oil prices rising sharply. Brent crude climbed nearly 3% to around $111 per barrel, as markets reacted to continued disruptions in global shipping and energy flows.
International observers warn that continued instability in the Strait of Hormuz could further impact global energy markets, already strained by geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions.
