Iran has rejected a United States 15-point ceasefire plan and launched new attacks on Israel and Gulf Arab states, including a drone strike that caused a massive fire at Kuwait International Airport.
The announcement comes as Israel conducted airstrikes on Tehran and the United States deployed additional paratroopers and Marines to the region.
Iran’s state broadcaster, Press TV, cited an anonymous official stating:
“Iran will end the war when it decides to do so and when its own conditions are met.”
Tehran has presented its own five-point ceasefire plan, which includes halting attacks on its officials, ensuring no further wars against it, receiving reparations, ending hostilities, and asserting control over the Strait of Hormuz a key global oil passage.
The U.S. proposal reportedly included sanctions relief, nuclear program limits, missile restrictions, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and curbing Iran’s support for armed groups.
Many of these points particularly restrictions on missiles and militias are seen as nonstarters for Iran, which views them as vital to national security.
The conflict has already caused significant casualties: Iran reports more than 1,500 dead, while Israel counts 20 fatalities, and over 1,000 have died in Lebanon.
At least 13 U.S. service members have also been killed. Energy markets have been disrupted, with Brent crude trading near $100 a barrel, though still far above pre-war levels.
Diplomatic efforts continue, with mediators pushing for talks in Pakistan possibly as soon as Friday.
However, Iran’s deep mistrust of U.S. diplomacy following previous attacks during high-level negotiations and Israel’s ongoing military pressure make any resolution extremely challenging.
and then