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President Donald Trump delivered a blunt assessment Monday, declaring the fragile ceasefire with Iran is “on life support” after sharply rejecting Tehran’s response to the latest U.S. peace proposal — raising serious fears that the 10-week-old conflict could explode back into full-scale war.

Days after Washington put forward a new framework to restart negotiations, Iran responded on Sunday with a list of sweeping demands. Trump did not mince words when asked about the Iranian reply.

“I would call it the weakest right now, after reading that piece of garbage they sent us. I didn’t even finish reading it,” he told reporters.

In its response, Tehran demanded an end to the war on all fronts — including Israel’s fight against Hezbollah in Lebanon — compensation for war damage, an end to the U.S. naval blockade, lifting of sanctions, and guaranteed safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran also insisted it would not rush into talks on its nuclear program.

U.S. officials had pushed for an immediate end to hostilities before addressing more difficult issues, a sequence Tehran clearly rejected.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson defended the position Monday, calling it a “generous and responsible offer” and insisting on the lifting of what it called the U.S. “blockade and piracy.”

The collapse in tone between the two sides is alarming. With the ceasefire already hanging by a thread, Trump’s harsh dismissal signals that Washington has little patience left for what it sees as stalling tactics. Meanwhile, Iran continues playing a high-stakes game, using the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz as leverage while the global oil market grows increasingly nervous.

Brent crude futures jumped 2.7% to around $104 per barrel on Monday as the deadlock keeps the critical waterway largely closed. The near-shutdown has already disrupted global energy flows and pushed OPEC output to its lowest level in over two decades.

After 10 weeks of fighting that has killed thousands and sent shockwaves through the world economy, both sides appear to be digging in rather than moving toward compromise. Trump has repeatedly warned he is ready to resume major military operations if a deal cannot be reached.

The coming days could prove decisive. Is this the final breakdown before hostilities resume, or the prelude to a last-ditch diplomatic breakthrough?

One thing is clear: the ceasefire is in critical condition, and the margin for error is rapidly disappearing.