Trump faces split among retired US commanders over whether to resume Iran strikes

President Trump has stated that the ceasefire with Iran is in critical condition, comparing its chances of survival to a 1% likelihood. He dismissed Iran's latest proposal as "a piece of garbage" as the White House reportedly reviews military options. This situation has created a division among retired U.S. commanders and national security experts regarding whether to resume military operations against Iran or avoid further conflict. Some, like former national security adviser H.R. McMaster, believe Iran's leadership is unwilling to make the concessions necessary for a deal. Others, such as former CENTCOM deputy commander Vice Adm. Mark Fox, argue that only a return to combat operations will compel Iran to abandon its nuclear and missile ambitions. The debate centers on whether increased military pressure will achieve U.S. goals or escalate a regional conflict.

US President Donald Trump stated on Monday that the month-long ceasefire with Iran is "on massive life support" and "unbelievably weak." This comes after Iran presented a counter-offer on Sunday to end the conflict and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Trump rejected Iran's proposal, deeming it "totally unacceptable" and a "piece of garbage." Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson, Esmail Baghaei, described Tehran's proposals as "responsible" and "generous," outlining demands that include an immediate end to hostilities, the lifting of the US naval blockade, and guarantees against further attacks. In response to Trump's criticism, Baghaei indicated Iran would take necessary actions to secure its interests.

President Trump stated that the ceasefire with Iran is "on massive life support" after dismissing Iran's peace proposals as "stupid." He is considering reinstating US Navy military escorts for ships through the Strait of Hormuz to counter Iran's blockade of the vital waterway. This comes after Iran sent counter-proposals to US conditions for easing conflict, which Trump rejected. The US had previously called off a plan for military escorts to allow Iran time to respond. Iran has indicated no further talks will occur unless its terms are accepted, while its foreign ministry spokesperson described their proposals as "reasonable."

President Trump stated that a ceasefire with Iran is "on life support" after dismissing Tehran's response to a US peace proposal as "stupid" and "garbage." This rejection on Sunday has heightened concerns about the continuation of the 10-week conflict and its impact on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran's proposal, released on Sunday, focused on ending the war on all fronts, demanding compensation for war damages, asserting sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz, and calling for the US to end its naval blockade, guarantee no further attacks, lift sanctions, and remove the ban on Iranian oil sales. Iran's Foreign Ministry defended its demands as "reasonable" and Iran's "legitimate rights." Efforts to reach an agreement between the US and Iran have been unsuccessful, with Trump threatening a return to war if Iran does not make concessions.

China is preparing for a visit from U.S. President Donald Trump, coinciding with a recent increase in trade growth between the two nations. The article highlights that vendors are utilizing user data for service provision, with options to decline such usage. Specific vendors like Index Exchange, Quantcast, Sovrn, RTB House, The UK Trade Desk, Nexxen, and Yahoo EMEA Limited are mentioned, detailing the types of data they collect and their cookie durations. This preparation for Trump's visit occurs amidst a backdrop of renewed trade activity.

President Donald Trump stated that a ceasefire with Iran is "on life support" following the United States' rejection of Tehran's latest proposal. The specific details of Iran's proposal were not disclosed, nor was the exact timing of the rejection. This development indicates a significant setback in efforts to de-escalate tensions between the two nations. The statement suggests that the current diplomatic path towards a ceasefire is facing severe challenges. The US stance, as articulated by President Trump, implies a lack of willingness to accept Iran's terms at this juncture.

The Pentagon has updated the cost of the US-Israel war with Iran to $29 billion, an increase from the previously reported $25 billion. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth presented this figure to a congressional panel on May 12, 2026, attributing the rise to updated repair, replacement, and operational costs. While the Pentagon maintains preparedness for escalation or de-escalation, questions persist from experts and lawmakers regarding the accuracy of the cost estimate and the impact on US munitions stockpiles and the broader economy. The war, which began on February 28, has seen fighting largely paused since April 8.

Asian stock markets experienced mixed performance on Monday, May 11, 2026, with oil prices surging over 4%. This jump in oil was a direct reaction to U.S. President Donald Trump rejecting Iran's response to a U.S. proposal aimed at ending the war in Iran, which he deemed "TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE!" While Tokyo's Nikkei 225 saw a slight decline, South Korea's Kospi reached an all-time intraday high, driven by technology stocks. Hong Kong's Hang Seng fell, but Shanghai's Composite climbed following positive economic data from China. U.S. futures edged lower. The ongoing Iran conflict and interest in artificial intelligence have been significant factors influencing market movements in the region.

Oil prices surged in Asian trading Monday after U.S. President Donald Trump rejected Iran's proposal to end the ongoing conflict. Iran, through Pakistan as a mediator, had called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and guarantees against future U.S.-Israeli attacks. In response, Trump declared Iran's terms "totally unacceptable." This development comes as the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed since the war's commencement on February 28th, significantly impacting global oil and gas supplies. Brent crude rose 4.1% to $105.50 a barrel, and U.S. crude increased 4.4% to $99.80. The U.S. had previously demanded the restoration of free transit through the Strait and the suspension of Iran's nuclear enrichment.

US President Donald Trump is reviewing a 14-point peace proposal from Iran aimed at ending the ongoing conflict. Speaking in Florida, Trump confirmed he had been briefed on the proposal, which reportedly includes lifting the US naval blockade, war reparations, and asset release. However, he issued a warning that air strikes could resume if Iran "misbehaves," indicating a continued tough stance. Trump suggested Iran is seeking a settlement due to its weakened state from conflict and the blockade. The diplomatic overture follows a fragile three-week truce that began on April 7th, with Iran seeking a 30-day window to finalize terms, a timeline potentially at odds with US preferences.

A fragile ceasefire between the US and Iran has held for three weeks, with signs of the Strait of Hormuz potentially reopening. President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that the US will initiate "Project Freedom" on Monday morning, a humanitarian effort to assist ships stranded in the strait. This initiative, requested by neutral countries, aims to facilitate maritime traffic. The US Navy will provide commercial vessels with navigational guidance and remain on standby to deter any Iranian interference. Trump warned that any obstruction of this humanitarian process would be met with a forceful response.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated he remains committed to working with US President Donald Trump and on the transatlantic relationship, despite recent disagreements over the war in Iran. Merz downplayed tensions, suggesting the US troop withdrawal from Germany was not retaliatory and was not linked to their differing views on Iran. He also indicated a planned deployment of US Tomahawk missiles to Germany is currently on hold due to depleted arsenals from conflicts in Iran and Ukraine. Despite criticizing the US approach to the Iran war, Merz affirmed a shared goal of preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Merz acknowledged Trump respects differing views, though perhaps less so currently.

Israel is threatening to resume military operations in Gaza, citing the refusal of Palestinian factions to disarm as a justification for potentially ending the current "truce." Despite a ceasefire in place since October, hundreds of Palestinians have been killed. Israeli officials suggest further conflict is "almost inevitable" due to Hamas's non-compliance and perceived failures of the International Stabilization Force. Meanwhile, Israel has reportedly expanded its territorial control within Gaza. Mediators are pushing Palestinian factions to accept a US-backed plan that links humanitarian aid and reconstruction to Hamas's complete disarmament over 281 days. Palestinian groups reject this, demanding a political solution instead.

Iran is reportedly considering a US proposal aimed at ending the current conflict, according to an Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson. While Iran reviews the proposal, a parliamentary official warned of a "harsh and regret-inducing response" if the US does not concede. Former President Trump also threatened intensified bombing if a deal isn't reached, while claiming Iran has agreed to forgo nuclear weapons. The US previously stated its offensive operation had concluded after achieving objectives. The conflict has significantly impacted the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil transit route, with a ceasefire in place since early April, though maritime traffic remains limited.

President Trump stated he will review a new 14-point peace proposal from Iran, delivered via Pakistan, but expressed skepticism. He believes Iran has not yet "paid a big enough price" for its actions. This proposal reportedly includes US troop withdrawal from surrounding areas, lifting the blockade on the Strait of Hormuz, releasing frozen assets, compensation, and ending the war on all fronts. Iran's deputy foreign minister indicated the decision for diplomacy or confrontation rests with the US. Washington insists on a deal preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, a claim Iran denies. The US has also warned shipping companies against paying Iran for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

Project Freedom, a recent initiative announced by Donald Trump, presents a complex situation with potentially conflicting outcomes. Initially, Trump adopted a hawkish stance, suggesting Iran had not faced sufficient consequences for its actions and emphasizing the danger of nuclear proliferation. However, his tone abruptly shifted to one of humanitarianism, proposing to free ships and crews detained in the Gulf. This move, presented as a gesture for global peace and specifically for Iran, followed "very positive discussions" with Iranian representatives, a stark contrast to his earlier rejection of their peace proposal. The announcement had a notable, though temporary, impact on oil prices, raising questions about market implications and Trump's motivations beyond geopolitical strategy.

President Donald Trump announced that the United States will launch "Project Freedom" on Monday to help free ships stuck in the Strait of Hormuz, describing it as a humanitarian gesture. The operation aims to address ships running low on supplies due to the ongoing blockade. Trump warned that any interference with this effort would be met with a forceful response. The initiative comes amid soaring oil prices and public discontent with the war, which has impacted Trump's approval ratings. It remains unclear if this operation will involve coordination with Iran or if it risks disrupting the fragile ceasefire.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte stated that European leaders have understood President Trump's message regarding defense spending and contributions. This comes after Trump announced plans to withdraw 5,000 US soldiers from Germany, a move he linked to his frustration with NATO allies not sufficiently supporting US-led efforts, including the war on Iran. Rutte indicated that Europeans are responding by increasing their own defense commitments and aiming for a stronger NATO. The Pentagon's announcement of the troop withdrawal was met with surprise by EU diplomat Kaja Kallas, who emphasized the need for Europe to strengthen its role within the alliance. NATO officials are currently seeking details on the US decision regarding its force posture in Germany.

On day 64 of the conflict, US President Donald Trump rejected Iran's latest peace proposal, stating its demands were unacceptable and warning against premature resolution. The US also threatened sanctions on ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz that pay tolls to Iran. Domestically, a poll indicated 61% of Americans view the use of military force against Iran as a mistake. In Iran, fourteen soldiers died in an ordnance disposal incident, and Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei called for economic resistance. The IRGC Navy announced new maritime rules near its coast. Meanwhile, the US imposed measures on entities involved in Iranian oil exports, which China condemned, while approving significant military sales to regional allies.

A senior Iranian military officer stated on Saturday that renewed fighting with the United States is "likely," following President Donald Trump's dissatisfaction with an Iranian peace proposal. Iran submitted a new draft to Pakistan, a mediator, on Thursday evening, though its specifics were not disclosed. The conflict, initiated by the US and Israel in late February, has been on hold since April 8, with one unsuccessful round of peace talks held in Pakistan. Trump's dissatisfaction suggests a continued impasse in negotiations, while Iran's military stance indicates a readiness for continued hostilities if their terms are not met.

Iran's army spokesperson stated the country remains in a "war situation" amidst ongoing negotiations, with the Strait of Hormuz a significant point of contention. Gulf leaders convened in Saudi Arabia, where Qatar urged that the vital waterway not be used as leverage and cautioned against a "frozen conflict." The article, published on April 28, 2026, by Umut Uras and Lorraine Mallinder, highlights the continued tensions and the critical role of the Strait of Hormuz in the diplomatic landscape. President Trump is reportedly reviewing a peace plan, while the UN has called for the reopening of the Strait.

Germany's defense minister stated that the US troop withdrawal from Germany was "foreseeable" amidst growing tensions with Iran. This announcement follows President Trump's declaration of terminating hostilities with Iran, despite ongoing peace talks stalled over Iran's new proposal. The US is also approving significant military sales to Middle Eastern allies, including Israel, Qatar, Kuwait, and the UAE, while warning European nations of weapon delivery delays due to depleted stockpiles from the Iran war. Meanwhile, Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon killed 12 people, and the US Treasury is threatening sanctions against shipping companies paying tolls to Iran in the Strait of Hormuz.

China's UN Ambassador, Fu Cong, has urged a reconsideration of the UN Security Council's decision to end the UNIFIL peacekeeping mission in Lebanon. Speaking as China assumed the council's presidency, Fu expressed deep concern over escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, noting the absence of a true ceasefire. He stated that the overwhelming majority of the Security Council believes now is not the time to withdraw UNIFIL, which was established to oversee Israeli troop withdrawal and later expanded to maintain a buffer zone. China awaits a UN secretariat report in June before finalizing its position, while also calling for Israel to cease its bombardment of Lebanon. The UNIFIL mission's mandate is set to conclude by December 2026.

President Donald Trump has escalated his criticism of European allies, threatening to withdraw U.S. troops from Italy and Spain. This comes after Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that the U.S. was being "humiliated" by Iran. Trump has also expressed dissatisfaction with NATO allies for not contributing naval forces to secure the Strait of Hormuz. Separately, a U.S. Senator questioned the Secretary of Defense regarding the accuracy of war assessments on Iran. In unrelated news, footage was released showing an individual attempting to breach security at a White House dinner event.