Iran Rejects Ceasefire Proposal Amid Rising Tensions
The ongoing conflict between Washington and Tehran has escalated significantly, with Iran formally rejecting a 45-day ceasefire proposal on Monday. This decision heightens concerns of potential regional instability as the deadline set by the U.S. approaches.
Reportedly, Iran’s rejection came after mediators from Egypt, Pakistan, and Turkey presented their proposal to both Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff.
As tensions rose, President Trump announced that if no agreement is reached, the U.S. would begin targeting Iranian energy infrastructure by 8pm ET on Tuesday.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump emphasized the urgency: “Tuesday is Power Plant Day and Bridge Day rolled into one in Iran. There’s no better day than this! Open the Straits, or you’ll face serious consequences.”
The initial deadline was set for Monday, but Trump later adjusted it to account for the upcoming Easter holiday.
During a press conference, Trump indicated that all major bridges and power plants in Iran are identified for potential destruction by midnight if negotiations fail. He expressed hesitance about damaging infrastructure that would take decades to rebuild but underscored that the outcome rests on Iran’s willingness to negotiate.
Trump characterized Iran as a “willing participant” in talks but refrained from detailing the terms of the ceasefire, noting significant U.S. demands, including the assurance of oil flow through the region.
Meanwhile, Iranian state media reported that Tehran has provided a 10-point response through Pakistan, which includes proposals for reconstruction and relief from sanctions. There were indications from a regional official involved in the negotiations suggesting that discussions have not completely fallen apart. “We are still consulting with both sides,” the official noted.
At an Easter Monday event, Trump remarked that while Iran’s offer was an “important step,” it ultimately fell short of expectations.
