Diplomatic impasse between US and Iran over ceasefire

Diplomatic efforts to stabilize the ceasefire in the Middle East have reached a stalemate after U.S. President Donald Trump rejected Iran's latest counter-proposal as unacceptable. The negotiations, mediated through Pakistan, have stalled more than a month into the truce that followed the conflict beginning on February 28. Trump characterized the ceasefire as being on life support, while the Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, stated that Iran is prepared to retaliate against any aggression. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran has severely impacted energy supplies, leading to a rise in oil prices with Brent crude reaching approximately 105.90 dollars per barrel. Iran's reported counter-proposal includes a demand for a comprehensive end to the war, specifically in Lebanon, and security guarantees for maritime navigation. Meanwhile, Britain and France are continuing their efforts to form an international coalition to secure the strait. Trump is expected to discuss the crisis with Chinese President Xi Jinping during a visit to Beijing.