President Donald Trump has publicly rejected Iran’s reply to a US-backed nuclear peace proposal, calling it “totally unacceptable” in a blunt post on Truth Social — throwing fresh uncertainty over negotiations that had briefly sparked a rally across global markets.
The post, which read in full: “I have just read the response from Iran’s so-called ‘Representatives.’ I don’t like it — TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE! Thank you for your attention to this matter. President DONALD J. TRUMP”came after days of cautious optimism over a fragile ceasefire in place since April 7, 2026.
“Iran views the US written elements as extremely far from what could possibly be regarded as a fair and realistic basis for a likely compromise.”— Iranian source familiar with nuclear talks.
Markets had surged earlier this week on news that Iran was reviewing a US one-page proposal — mediated through Pakistan — which demanded a halt to uranium enrichment for at least 12 years, the transfer of Iran’s 440kg stockpile of 60%-enriched uranium, and guarantees on Strait of Hormuz access, in exchange for gradual sanctions relief and billions in frozen assets. Oil dropped over 7% on those hopes, with Brent closing near $101 a barrel and US crude at $95.
Tehran’s response was swift and cold. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei dismissed the proposal as against national interests and pledged continued enrichment. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said the US offer “was not the result of previous rounds of negotiations” and that Iran would submit its own counter-proposal via Oman once finalised.
The diplomatic back-and-forth has been complicated by Trump’s own social media activity. Trump officials anonymously warned in reports by the Wall Street Journal and CNN that the president’s Truth Social posts were undermining the delicate negotiations — a pattern that echoed dynamics from earlier in his presidency. At one point, Trump’s posts conflicted with statements from senior officials about who was leading the US delegation in Islamabad.
A sixth round of talks has yet to be scheduled. With no deal in sight and Trump’s latest outburst adding volatility, energy traders and equity markets alike are bracing for another swing.
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