US President Donald Trump on Monday, 11 May rejected Iran's latest nuclear proposal as "a piece of garbage" and declared the ceasefire was "on massive life support", delivering some of his sharpest remarks yet on the Iran nuclear standoff from the Oval Office of the White House. The comments came during an event focused on maternal healthcare and fertility access ahead of Mother's Day.

Trump Rejects Iran's Nuclear Proposal

Speaking to reporters after unveiling new fertility and childcare initiatives, Trump called Tehran's latest response in nuclear negotiations "just unacceptable" and "a stupid proposal." He said Iran had earlier agreed to allow the removal of what he repeatedly described as "nuclear dust" from damaged enrichment facilities following recent US military strikes, but later reversed its position.

"They told me they intended to give us the nuclear dust," Trump said. "They told me you have to take it out, because we can't do so." He added that Iranian officials subsequently backed away from the understanding because "they didn't want to put it on paper."

Ceasefire Described as Extremely Fragile

Trump used a striking analogy to describe the state of the ceasefire. "I would say the ceasefire is on massive life support," he said. "The doctor walks in and says, 'Sir, your loved one has approximately a 1 per cent chance of living.'" The president maintained that the US position remained unchanged: "I have a very simple plan: Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon. We are doing a service to the world."

Trump also praised recent US military operations against Iran, claiming American forces had severely damaged Iranian capabilities. "The military, look, their Navy is dead," he said. "They have no Air Force. They have no anti-aircraft." He said US pilots had carried out a "very dangerous job" during strikes on Iranian facilities, adding: "Every single one of those bombs went right down an air chute in a granite mountain and exploded."

Fertility and Maternal Healthcare Announcements

Despite the geopolitical tension dominating the session, the formal purpose of the White House event was the rollout of domestic healthcare initiatives. Trump announced that the Department of Labour would create a fertility benefit option for employers outside normal health insurance plans. "Most healthcare plans do not cover these benefits," he said. "This will be a supplemental option available to those who need it."

Trump credited Senator Katie Britt with raising concerns about fertility access following an Alabama court ruling affecting IVF treatment. The administration also launched a new website, Moms.gov, to provide information on fertility care, pregnancy resources, and childcare support. Trump repeatedly promoted TrumpRx.gov, a drug pricing website, claiming it had sharply reduced fertility medication costs. "One drug commonly used in IVF has gone from $966 to $168," he said. Mehmet Oz said the administration's healthcare initiatives would help address maternal mortality in rural America.

Remarks on China and Taiwan

Trump also touched briefly on US-China relations, striking an optimistic tone. "We are doing great with China," he said. "I have a great relationship with President Xi." On the question of Taiwan, Trump said: "It always comes up. He'll bring up Taiwan. I think we will be fine."

With Iran nuclear talks appearing to stall and the ceasefire described as barely alive, the coming days will be closely watched for any diplomatic movement or further escalation.