Unsense continues in the Middle East following Donald Trump's rejection of Iran's proposal to end the war.

The uncertainty in the Middle East has once again increased this Monday after U.S. President Donald Trump rejected Iran's counter-proposal to end the regional conflict, while cross-threats between Washington and Tehran intensified, and international oil prices rose sharply due to tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed on Sunday evening on Truth Social that he will reject the response sent by Iran to the latest diplomatic proposal presented by Washington to try to curb the conflict in the Middle East. "I just read the response from the so-called 'representatives' of Iran. I don't like it. COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE!" Trump wrote, without revealing details about the terms proposed by Tehran. The U.S. reaction immediately impacted international energy markets. Brent crude rose 4.15% to $105.49 during Monday's Asian trading, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) rose more than 4% to $99.95. Traders are closely watching the Strait of Hormuz, one of the most important sea routes for the global transport of oil. Iran responded on Sunday to the U.S. plan and warned that it would not limit retaliation against new military attacks from Washington, nor would it allow a greater presence of foreign vessels in Hormuz. Iranian authorities also restricted some maritime traffic and established a charging mechanism for ships passing through the area. A woman walks past an anti-U.S. billboard featuring U.S. President Donald Trump and the Strait of Hormuz in Tehran, Iran, May 8, 2026 (Majid Asgaripour/REUTERS)Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the conflict will continue as long as Iran maintains an active nuclear capability. "It is not over, because there is still nuclear material—enriched uranium—that must leave Iran. There are still enrichment sites that must be dismantled," he said during an interview with CBS's "60 Minutes" program. From Tehran, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian reaffirmed his government's position amid diplomatic contacts. "We will never bow to the enemy, and if there is a conversation or negotiation, that does not mean surrender or retreat," he posted on the social network X. According to the state broadcaster IRIB, the Iranian response, transmitted through Pakistani mediators, proposes the end of the war "on all fronts, especially in Lebanon," where Israel is engaged in clashes with Hezbollah, a terrorist group allied with Tehran. The document also includes demands related to the "security of navigation." The Wall Street Journal reported that the Iranian counter-proposal includes diluting some of the highly enriched uranium and transferring another portion to a third country. Tehran also requested guarantees to recover that material in the event of a breakdown in negotiations or a unilateral withdrawal from a potential agreement by Washington. According to the state broadcaster IRIB, the Iranian response, transmitted through Pakistani mediators, proposes the end of the war "on all fronts, especially in Lebanon," where Israel is engaged in clashes with Hezbollah, a terrorist group allied with Tehran (EP)The lack of concrete progress deepened international concern about the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. officials emphasized that any Iranian attempt to control that sea route, used to transport nearly a fifth of the world's oil, would be "unacceptable." At the same time, the U.S. Navy is conducting operations near Iranian ports and has diverted or intercepted vessels linked to Iran. In response to this scenario, the United Kingdom and France are promoting talks to form an international coalition aimed at ensuring maritime security in Hormuz once a peace agreement is reached. Both governments will hold a meeting of defense ministers from more than 40 countries on Tuesday to evaluate measures aimed at restoring commercial flow in the region. However, French President Emmanuel Macron clarified that Paris does not foresee a military offensive mission. "We never contemplated a military operation," he said. The tension increased again on Sunday after new incidents with drones in the Gulf. The United Arab Emirates reported that it intercepted drones launched from Iran, while Kuwait reported the presence of "hostile drones" in its airspace. The Ministry of Defense of Qatar also reported that a cargo ship from Abu Dhabi was hit by a drone. The tension increased again on Sunday after new incidents with drones in the Gulf (REUTERS)The spokesman for the Iranian parliamentary national security commission, Ebrahim Rezaei, issued another threat directed at the United States. "Our moderation ended today," he said on social media. "Any attack on our vessels will provoke a strong and decisive Iranian response against U.S. ships and bases," he added. Trump is also expected to address the Iranian situation with Chinese leader Xi Jinping during his visit to Beijing, scheduled for Thursday, in a context marked by a lack of diplomatic progress and persistent uncertainty about the future of the conflict in the Middle East.