Iran Rejects US Peace Proposals as Missile Strikes Intensify and Oil Prices Surge
Iran has dismissed recent US proposals aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, labeling them as “unrealistic, illogical, and excessive.” This statement comes as the country escalates its missile strikes against Israel, coinciding with a rise in global oil prices following the involvement of Yemen’s Houthis in the conflict.
Escalation of Hostilities
On Monday, the Israeli military reported intercepting two drones launched from Yemen. This incident occurred just two days after the Houthis targeted Israel with missiles for the first time since the onset of the US-Israeli conflict with Iran. Concurrently, Hezbollah, the Lebanese militant group, also launched rockets at Israel.
The Israeli military responded with missile strikes aimed at what it described as military infrastructure in Tehran and Hezbollah facilities in Beirut, resulting in significant smoke over the Lebanese capital.
US Warnings and Diplomatic Efforts
US President Donald Trump reiterated a warning to Iran regarding the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime route for global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. He threatened military action against Iranian energy infrastructure if Iran does not comply.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei indicated that Tehran had received messages through intermediaries suggesting Washington’s willingness to negotiate. This followed a meeting among the foreign ministers of Pakistan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey in Islamabad aimed at discussing mediation efforts.
Baghaei criticized the US proposals, stating, “Our position is clear. We are under military aggression. Therefore, all our efforts and strength are focused on defending ourselves.”
A Pakistani security official noted that direct talks between the US and Iran appear unlikely in the immediate future, although efforts are underway to facilitate such discussions.
Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Review
Baghaei also mentioned that Iran’s parliament is considering a potential exit from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). This treaty allows for the development and use of nuclear energy, provided that nuclear weapons are not pursued. Trump has cited the prevention of Iran acquiring nuclear weapons as a key justification for military actions against the country.
On Sunday, Trump stated that the US and Iran had been engaging in both direct and indirect meetings. However, he has simultaneously increased the US military presence in the region, while Iran has maintained its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
In a social media post, Trump remarked on the progress made in negotiations but warned that if a deal is not reached soon, the US would take severe actions against Iranian energy facilities.
Fears of Military Escalation
The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant casualties, with thousands killed and unprecedented disruptions to energy supplies impacting the global economy. Iran has conducted attacks on Arab Gulf states, and tensions have reignited between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. A UN peacekeeper from Indonesia was killed during the conflict, with another critically injured.
Brent crude oil prices surged by $2.42, or 2.2%, reaching nearly $115 per barrel, marking a potential record monthly increase. The Houthis’ involvement raises concerns about their ability to disrupt another vital shipping route, the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
Analysts, including Vandana Hari from Vanda Insights, suggest that the oil market is bracing for a significant escalation in military hostilities, largely dismissing the likelihood of a negotiated resolution to the conflict.
Israeli Military Actions
Iran confirmed the death of Revolutionary Guards Navy Commander Alireza Tangsiri on Monday, adding to the list of Iranian leaders killed during the ongoing conflict, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has been succeeded by his son, Mojtaba Khamenei.
Despite these losses, Iran’s missile and drone capabilities remain operational. Kuwait reported the death of an Indian national due to an Iranian attack on a power and desalination plant, although Iran’s Revolutionary Guards denied involvement.
In Israel, debris from an intercepted missile struck an industrial building and a fuel storage tank near Haifa’s naval base. Hezbollah claimed responsibility for targeting the naval facility.
Amidst the renewed conflict with Hezbollah, Israel has announced plans to establish a “buffer zone” in southern Lebanon, raising concerns about potential military occupation and further instability in the region.
According to HRANA, a US-based rights group, nearly 3,500 people have died in Iran, including 1,550 civilians. In Lebanon, authorities report approximately 1,240 fatalities, while over 400 Hezbollah fighters have been killed since the conflict reignited on March 2. At least 100 individuals have died in Iraq, along with 13 US service members.
As reported by www.arnnewscentre.ae.
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Published on 2026-03-30 14:05:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk