U.S. President Donald Trump has described Iran’s response to a U.S. proposal to end the war as ‘totally unacceptable,’ according to CNN; Trump accused Tehran of ‘playing games’ with the U.S. and the rest of the world. Meanwhile, Iran submitted its counter-proposal through Pakistan, a neutral mediator, according to Iranian state media.

Proposals and Reactions

Tehran’s counter-proposal reportedly included a demand for compensation and recognition of sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz, according to state media; Trump, however, dismissed the response, saying it was unacceptable. In a statement posted on social media, Trump said he had read the answer from Iran’s ‘so-called representatives’ and found it unsatisfactory; he did not elaborate on the content of the response.

In an earlier press appearance in Las Vegas, Trump also referred to the war with Iran as a ‘small detour,’ according to Spiegel. He said the U.S. ‘surpassed all records despite our small detour through the charming country Iran.’ Trump added that the military action was necessary to prevent ‘terrible things’ from happening.

Nuclear Stance and Diplomatic Efforts

Trump said Iran had agreed to return its enriched uranium stockpiles, calling the material ‘nuclear dust.’ The U.S. and Iran have recently agreed to a two-week cease-fire under Pakistan’s mediation, according to Spiegel. During this period. Both sides are expected to negotiate a lasting peace deal — However, the first round of talks failed, and Pakistan is now working to arrange a new session.

Iran’s nuclear program remains a key issue in the conflict, but the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reports that Iran is the only country without nuclear weapons that enriches uranium to 60 percent. Weapons-grade uranium requires 90 percent enrichment, while nuclear energy typically needs only 3.67 percent — Iran denies seeking nuclear weapons and insists its program is for peaceful purposes.

Regional Alliances and Military Aid

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said it was time for Israel to reduce its dependence on U.S. military aid, according to CNN. Netanyahu told CBS that he wants to reduce annual funding from $3.8 billion ‘to zero.’ This statement followed a phone call with Trump on Sunday evening, as Iran submitted its response to the U.S. proposal.

In a separate development, Iran’s military warned that countries enforcing sanctions against Tehran would ‘face problems’ when using the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway, but the U.S. and Iran have exchanged attacks in the region recently, raising tensions further.

U.S. Energy Secretary Rick Perry told CBS that the administration knows the final destination of the negotiations but is unsure of the path forward. ‘We don’t know the route,’ he said. ‘We just know the end point.’

Trump had previously said he expected Iran’s response by the 8th, according to NHK. However, Iran stated it would not be bound by deadlines or ultimatums. The situation remains uncertain as both sides continue to exchange proposals and counter-proposals under Pakistan’s mediation.