Iran Rejects Ceasefire Proposal from Iraq
On Thursday, Iran turned down a ceasefire proposal introduced by Iraq’s Prime Minister, Ali al-Zaidi, who represented President Trump during a recent visit to the White House.
Al-Zaidi had just concluded a meeting with Trump and flew to Tehran to discuss the draft agreement, but Iranian officials reportedly dismissed the offer. While the specific terms of the ceasefire remain unclear, Iranian representatives expressed that it was merely a temporary arrangement and did not address the broader issue of control over the Strait of Hormuz.
In discussions with al-Zaidi and the Iraqi delegation, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, along with chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, conveyed their thoughts. Araghchi mentioned on state television that while al-Zaidi shared insights from Washington, they believed there was no need for additional mediation.
He noted, “The issue lies in communication. It’s America’s perspective that seems illogical and overly controlling.”
This rejection unfolds during a time when the U.S. military has been conducting airstrikes against Iranian targets for the 13th consecutive night. Trump is contemplating a more significant military offensive to compel negotiations. In an interview with Israel’s Channel 12, he remarked on the possibility of launching an extensive attack, greater than any previous assault, indicating that preparations were underway.
He also added that Israel could engage “within two minutes” if requested but emphasized that the U.S. did not require assistance for any potential escalation.
Simultaneously, U.S. airstrikes on Thursday specifically aimed at various Iranian military infrastructures, including drone storage facilities and communication networks. The intent was to diminish threats to maritime navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. Central Command assured that, despite recent hostilities involving the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, international waterways remain accessible for navigation, with U.S. military support ensuring the safety of merchant vessels.
As of now, there has been no immediate response from the White House regarding the situation.
