Very upset, they will pay big price: Trump after Iran rejects ceasefire proposal

US President Donald Trump on Monday said he was “very upset” with Iran and warned that Tehran is “going to pay a big price” if it fails to reach a deal, signalling a hardening stance as his self-imposed deadline approaches.

Speaking to reporters outside the White House, Trump made it clear that the Tuesday deadline for Iran to agree to terms is final.

Asked, “Are you prepared to move the deadline back again?” Trump replied, “Highly unlikely. They've had plenty of time.”

“It could end very quickly if they do what they have to do,” Trump said. “They have to do certain things. They know that.” He added that “the people there now are much more reasonable than the lunatics that you had in phase 1 and phase 2.”

On ongoing negotiations, Trump said, “I gave them a chance and I hope they take the chance. If they don't, it's trouble.”

His remarks came after Iran formally rejected a US ceasefire proposal, conveying its response via Pakistan, according to the Islamic Republic News Agency. Tehran instead stressed the need for a “permanent end to the war” rather than a temporary truce.

Iran’s response outlined a 10-clause framework that includes an end to conflicts across the region, guarantees for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, lifting of sanctions, and commitments toward reconstruction.

Trump has warned that failure to strike a deal by 8 pm EDT (0000 GMT) Tuesday could trigger severe consequences, including threats to unleash “hell” on Tehran. The urgency is partly tied to restoring traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global energy



supplies.

Escalating his rhetoric further, Trump described the Iranian regime in stark terms, saying, “They're animals and we have to stop them — and we can't let them have a nuclear weapon. Very simple.”

He added, “We could leave right now, and it would take them 15 years to rebuild what they have... But I want to finish it up. Iran CANNOT have a nuclear weapon. They are lunatics, and you can't put nuclear weapons in the hands of a lunatic.”

Trump also claimed that “the Iranian people will fight back as soon as they know they're not going to be shot and as soon as they can get weapons.”

In a series of blunt remarks, Trump said Iran would prefer a ceasefire “because they’re getting obliterated,” and added that he was “not worried about concerns over targeting civilian infrastructure.” He also asserted, “We got regime change, they are more moderate.”

Despite the escalating rhetoric, Trump struck a more measured tone when asked about two US airmen rescued in Iran. “They are both recovering very well,” he said. “They were both injured, and they're doing well.”

Addressing criticism over his use of expletives in a Truth Social post about reopening the Strait of Hormuz, Trump said he used “such vulgar language” only to emphasise his point. “Only to make my point,” he said. “I think you've heard it before.”

In additional remarks, Trump said Iran had made “a significant proposal,” though he maintained that “it’s not good enough.” He also took a swipe at the United Kingdom, saying, “The UK has a long way to go. We don't want another Neville Chamberlain, do we agree?”