Iran Rejects Ceasefire Proposal as Trump’s Deadline Approaches
Iran has firmly stated its desire for a lasting resolution to the ongoing conflict with the United States and Israel, rejecting calls for a temporary ceasefire to facilitate the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. This announcement came on Monday, as tensions escalate in the region.
Iran’s Response to U.S. Proposal
The Iranian government communicated its rejection of a ceasefire proposal through Pakistan, emphasizing the need for a permanent cessation of hostilities. According to the official IRNA news agency, Iran’s response included ten key clauses. These clauses outlined demands for an end to regional conflicts, a protocol ensuring safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, the lifting of sanctions, and plans for reconstruction.
President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning, threatening further military action against Tehran if a deal is not reached by 8 p.m. EDT on Tuesday (midnight GMT). He dismissed Iran’s proposal, asserting that his deadline remains non-negotiable.
Strategic Importance of the Strait of Hormuz
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical waterway, responsible for transporting approximately one-fifth of the world’s oil and natural gas supply. Following U.S. and Israeli attacks in February, Iran effectively closed the strait, leveraging its strategic importance as a bargaining chip in negotiations. On Monday, Iranian officials indicated their unwillingness to easily concede control over this vital route.
A framework for a potential ceasefire, brokered by Pakistan, emerged from extensive discussions. This proposal suggests an immediate ceasefire, followed by negotiations for a broader peace settlement expected to conclude within 15 to 20 days. Field Marshal Asim Munir, Pakistan’s army chief, was reportedly in continuous contact with U.S. Vice President JD Vance, special envoy Steve Witkoff, and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi throughout the night.
Iran’s Stance on Negotiations
Esmaeil Baghaei, spokesperson for Iran’s foreign ministry, stated that Tehran’s demands should not be viewed as a sign of compromise but rather as a demonstration of its confidence in defending its positions. He criticized previous U.S. demands, including a 15-point plan, labeling them as excessive.
Trump is expected to address the ceasefire proposal at a press conference scheduled for 1 p.m. ET (1800 GMT). A White House official noted that the ceasefire proposal is “one of many ideas,” and emphasized that Trump has not yet approved it. The ongoing military operation against Iran, referred to as Operation Epic Fury, continues.
Market Reactions and Ongoing Strikes
As the situation unfolds, Brent crude futures dropped by 36 cents to $108.67 a barrel as investors reacted to the potential for a ceasefire. Trump has issued threats via social media, warning of further strikes on Iranian energy and transport infrastructure if Iran fails to comply with demands by the specified deadline.
Reports of fresh aerial strikes across the region have emerged, marking over five weeks since the U.S. and Israel intensified their military actions against Iran. These attacks have resulted in significant casualties and economic disruptions, contributing to rising oil prices.
Israel’s Aggressive Stance
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has issued a statement threatening to dismantle Iran’s infrastructure and target its leaders individually. Iran reported that two of its petrochemical complexes were attacked recently. The conflict escalated following an Israeli strike in mid-March on the South Pars gas field, which Iran shares with Qatar, prompting retaliatory strikes on energy targets across the Middle East.
A fire at the Marvdasht petrochemical complex was reportedly controlled after the recent attacks by U.S. and Israeli forces. Trump has indicated a willingness to expand U.S. military actions to include civilian infrastructure, such as power plants and bridges, raising concerns among experts regarding potential violations of international law.
Continued Violence and Casualties
Iran’s military response has included strikes on petrochemical facilities and an Israeli-linked vessel in Kuwait, Bahrain, and the UAE, demonstrating its capacity to retaliate. According to the U.S.-based rights group HRANA, approximately 3,540 individuals have lost their lives in the conflict in Iran.
Israeli emergency services reported that at least four Israelis were killed in a missile attack on a residential building in Haifa, bringing the total number of Israeli civilian fatalities from Iranian and Hezbollah attacks to 23. The conflict has also spilled over into Lebanon, where heavy casualties have been reported, including 1,461 deaths, according to Lebanese authorities. Additionally, 13 U.S. service members have been killed, with hundreds more injured.
As reported by www.arnnewscentre.ae.
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Published on 2026-04-06 06:42:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk