Tehran has formally rejected a United States proposal aimed at pausing hostilities in the ongoing conflict, as it escalated attacks on Israel and Gulf countries, including a major strike that ignited a massive fire at Kuwait International Airport. Iranian state media reported the rejection on Wednesday, highlighting Tehran’s insistence on negotiating under its own terms rather than adhering to Washington’s 15-point ceasefire plan.
Iranian state-run Press TV quoted an anonymous official saying, “Iran has responded negatively to an American proposal aimed at ending the ongoing imposed war. The end of the war will occur when Iran decides it should end, not when [US President Donald] Trump envisions its conclusion.” The official presented Tehran’s own five-point plan, which notably included:
- A halt to killings of Iranian officials.
- Measures ensuring no further wars are waged against Iran.
- Reparations for damages caused during the conflict.
- An official end to hostilities.
- Iran’s exercise of sovereignty over the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.
Analysts note that some of these demands, particularly reparations and control over the Strait of Hormuz, are likely to be unacceptable to the White House. With global energy markets already affected by the conflict, any concessions on Hormuz could have far-reaching economic consequences.
The US ceasefire plan, described by an Egyptian official involved in mediation as a “comprehensive deal,” reportedly included restrictions on Iran’s support for armed groups. Mediators have suggested that face-to-face talks between Washington and Tehran could take place as soon as Friday in Pakistan. Both Egyptian and Pakistani officials confirmed ongoing efforts to coordinate such discussions.
President Trump indicated that the US is actively engaged in negotiations, with key participants including special envoy Steve Witkoff, his son-in-law Jared Kushner, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Vice President JD Vance. However, officials warned that any potential dialogue faces steep challenges, including identifying which Iranian authorities possess the mandate or willingness to negotiate, particularly given Israel’s vow to continue targeting Iranian leaders.
Iran’s spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry, Esmail Baghaei, underscored the regime’s cautious stance toward the United States, noting Tehran’s historical experiences with American diplomacy. Baghaei referenced previous US strikes on Iranian territory, including the February 28 strikes under the Trump administration, which many Iranian officials described as the events that catalyzed the current war. “We have a very catastrophic experience with US diplomacy,” Baghaei told India Today on Tuesday, emphasizing the regime’s distrust of Washington’s intentions.
The conflict has intensified in recent weeks, with Iranian forces expanding their attacks beyond Israel to Gulf states, including the UAE and Kuwait. The assault on Kuwait International Airport caused a significant fire and prompted emergency responses, further highlighting the regional impact of the hostilities. Tehran has positioned its military actions as a demonstration of both defensive capability and regional influence, particularly over critical energy chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz.
The ongoing escalation has global ramifications, particularly for energy markets and maritime trade. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important shipping lanes for crude oil and liquefied natural gas, and Iran’s insistence on asserting sovereignty over the waterway signals a potential threat to international shipping and energy security. Analysts warn that any disruption in the strait could drive oil prices higher and strain global supply chains already stressed by prior conflicts and geopolitical tensions.
While the US continues to press for a negotiated pause in hostilities, Tehran’s firm rejection of the proposal highlights the monumental diplomatic challenges ahead. Observers note that Iran’s five-point plan effectively shifts the focus of negotiations from conventional ceasefire terms to demands that would significantly reshape regional power dynamics. With Israel actively targeting Iranian leadership and the US seeking to stabilize the situation without direct escalation, the prospects for a quick resolution remain uncertain.
The coming days will likely be critical in determining whether mediation efforts in Pakistan can produce any meaningful dialogue or if the conflict will continue to escalate, with regional civilians and global energy markets facing ongoing risks.
