The United States and Iran appeared further apart Sunday after President Donald Trump said Tehran’s response to a proposed peace framework was unacceptable, intensifying uncertainty surrounding negotiations meant to ease months of military and political tensions in the region. The proposal, which reportedly included measures tied to regional security and maritime activity near the Strait of Hormuz, was intended to reduce the risk of broader conflict following recent confrontations involving Iranian-backed groups and U.S. allies.

Iranian officials signaled that elements of the proposal conflicted with the country’s national interests and sovereignty, while U.S. officials argued the framework was designed to prevent further escalation and protect international shipping routes. Trump said the administration remained open to diplomacy but indicated that Washington would not accept terms it viewed as weakening regional security objectives.

The disagreement comes amid continuing instability across parts of the Middle East, where concerns have grown over attacks linked to proxy groups, military deployments and threats to global energy supplies. International observers have warned that any disruption around the Strait of Hormuz could have significant consequences for oil markets and commercial shipping, given the strategic importance of the waterway.

Diplomatic efforts involving regional and international intermediaries have continued in recent months, though negotiations have faced repeated setbacks. Analysts say both governments remain under domestic political pressure, complicating attempts to reach a compromise while tensions remain high across the region.

Officials from several allied nations have called for restraint and renewed dialogue to avoid further escalation. While neither side announced immediate military action following the latest exchange, the collapse of negotiations could increase pressure on ongoing diplomatic channels aimed at preventing a wider regional crisis.

Sources: Information reported by Associated Press, Reuters, Fox News, The Washington Post and BBC News.