Tehran demands permanent end to war with guarantees against future attacks, while US president dismisses Iranian counter-offer as insufficient ahead of deadline on Strait of Hormuz.
Iran has firmly rejected a proposed 45-day ceasefire in its ongoing conflict with the United States and Israel, insisting instead on a permanent end to hostilities accompanied by security guarantees and the lifting of sanctions.
The rejection, reported by Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency on Monday, came as US President Donald Trump described a recent Iranian proposal as a “significant step” but “not good enough,” while reiterating threats to target Iranian power plants and bridges if Tehran fails to meet his deadline.
Mediators from Egypt, Pakistan and Turkey had floated the 45-day ceasefire framework, which included reopening the strategic Strait of Hormuz-a vital artery for global oil supplies that Iran has effectively restricted amid the fighting. The pause was intended to create space for negotiations toward a lasting peace agreement.
Iranian officials conveyed their response through Pakistan, a key mediator, outlining a 10-point plan that prioritises a “definitive” end to the war rather than a temporary truce. Tehran has demanded guarantees that it will not face renewed attacks, along with broader regional de-escalation and an end to what it calls “illegal sanctions” and coercive pressure.
“We only accept an end of the war with guarantees that we won’t be attacked again,” Mojtaba Ferdousi Pour, head of Iran’s diplomatic mission in Cairo, told the Associated Press.
Trump Rejects Iran Proposal, Issues Threats Over Escalating Tensions:
Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump acknowledged the Iranian counter-proposal but made clear it fell short of US expectations.
“They made a proposal, and it’s a significant proposal. It’s a significant step. It’s not good enough,” he said, while expanding his warnings to include potential strikes on Iran’s entire infrastructure.
Trump has set a deadline of 8pm Eastern Time on Tuesday (midnight GMT Wednesday) for Iran to agree to terms that include reopening the Strait of Hormuz, threatening otherwise to “decimate” every bridge and power plant in the country. He has repeatedly warned that failure to comply could lead to the “complete demolition” of Iranian capabilities.
The US president has framed the conflict as part of broader efforts involving Israel, with ongoing Israeli strikes reported on Iranian targets, including a petrochemical plant in the South Pars gas field.
Rising Tensions as Diplomacy Continues Amid Ongoing Conflict:
Despite the public rejections, regional officials involved in the talks say diplomatic channels have not fully collapsed. One source described the 45-day proposal as “one of many ideas” still under discussion, though the White House has stressed that Trump has not signed off on any specific plan and that military operations continue.
Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson has criticised the approach, stating that negotiations cannot proceed “under the shadow of illegal sanctions, military threats, or coercion.“
The war, now in its fifth week, has already caused significant casualties and displacement across the region, with the UN reporting over a million displaced in Lebanon alone from related fighting.
As the deadline approaches, tensions remain high, with both sides trading accusations and continuing military posturing. Mediators are expected to make further attempts to bridge the gap between demands for a short-term pause and calls for a comprehensive, permanent resolution.