"I just read the response from the so-called 'representatives' of Iran. I don't like it, TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE!" This is the response from Donald Trump to the counteroffer sent by Iran regarding his plan to end the war in Middle East.
Iran's response to the US peace proposal includes lifting economic sanctions on the Islamic Republic, ending Washington's blockade on Iranian ports, and Iranian control of the Strait of Hormuz.
Tehran proposes that the war ends immediately after the agreement is announced, with a 30-day period afterward to finalize the potential pact. Washington expected to receive this letter over the weekend to decide whether to maintain the truce initiated on April 8 or to resume hostilities due to the lack of progress in dismantling Iran's uranium enrichment program.
Iran asserts that its peace proposal is not "excessive" after Trump's rejection
Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Ismail Bagaei, stated on Monday that Iran's peace proposal is not "excessive" after being rejected by US President Donald Trump, as reported by Efe.
"Iran's proposal to the United States is not an unreasonable demand," Bagaei said in his weekly press conference in Tehran, considering Iran's demands as "reasonable and responsible."
The diplomat argued that Iran's proposal aims to defend Iran's rights and questioned whether it is excessive to demand the release of blocked Iranian assets abroad or the end of the war in Lebanon.
China opposes US sanctions related to Iran
China expressed strong opposition on Monday to the sanctions imposed by the United States against three Chinese-based companies, accused by Washington of facilitating Iran's military operations, labeling the measures as illegal and unilateral, as reported by Reuters.
"We have always demanded that Chinese companies conduct business in accordance with laws and regulations, and we will firmly protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies," stated spokesperson Guo Jiakun during a regular press conference.
India urges to save gasoline, avoid travel, and refrain from buying gold amid the war in Iran
India's Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, urged citizens to drastically reduce gasoline consumption and limit domestic imports, in an attempt to shield the mega-nation's economy from price volatility caused by the war in the Middle East, as reported by Efe.
Despite oil surpassing $100 per barrel due to intermittent closure of the Strait of Hormuz, India has so far avoided passing the full cost increase to consumer rates. However, local media anticipate that the government will announce price hikes in the coming days to curb the substantial losses accumulated by state fuel retailers.
Brent rises 4.5% after Trump deems Iran's response "unacceptable"
The Brent crude oil barrel for July delivery surged strongly on Monday by 4.5%, reaching $105.81, after US President Donald Trump deemed Iran's response to the US peace proposal "unacceptable," as reported by Efe.
At 7:00 am (5:00 GMT) on Monday, the Brent, Europe's reference crude, jumped by 4.5% to $105.81 per barrel, reaching as high as $105.99.
Last Friday, the Brent closed higher after three consecutive days in the red, following new clashes between the United States and Iran, which heightened tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran executes a man convicted of spying for the CIA and Mossad
Iran executed a man convicted of spying for the US and Israel's intelligence services, Mizan judicial media reported on Monday, as cited by Reuters.
Mizan identified the man as Erfan Shakourzadeh, who worked in a scientific organization linked to satellite activities, where he allegedly shared classified scientific information with foreign intelligence services.
According to the Iran Human Rights Society, Shakourzadeh, a 29-year-old aerospace engineer, was arrested in 2025 and forced to confess.
Trump to pressure Chinese President on Iran during his visit to Beijing
President Donald Trump will pressure his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, on Iran when he visits Beijing next week, several officials said on Sunday, ahead of a "symbolic" meeting against the backdrop of the conflict in the Middle East, as reported by Afp.
The Republican's first trip to China since returning to the White House will be marked by pomp and ceremony, including a visit to the famous Temple of Heaven and a lavish state banquet, detailed by the US administration.
"I would expect the president to apply pressure," said a senior official, speaking anonymously, in a call with journalists.