Iran has rejected a temporary ceasefire proposal as tensions escalate ahead of a deadline set by U.S. President Donald Trump demanding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran instead called for a permanent end to the conflict involving the United States and Israel, signalling that negotiations remain complex as the war enters its sixth week.
According to Iran’s state news agency, the country conveyed its response through Pakistan, outlining a framework that included regional de-escalation, safe maritime passage through the Strait of Hormuz, sanctions relief, and reconstruction commitments. While Iranian officials described the proposal as constructive, Trump dismissed it as insufficient and reiterated that his deadline for reopening the strategic waterway remains final.
The Strait of Hormuz carries roughly one fifth of global oil and natural gas shipments, making it a central pressure point in the conflict. Iran effectively restricted access to the route earlier in the war, using its control of the chokepoint as leverage in negotiations. Regional leaders have warned that any settlement must ensure uninterrupted transit through the corridor to stabilize global energy markets.
Diplomatic efforts are continuing behind the scenes. Pakistan played a key mediating role in overnight discussions involving senior officials from Iran, the United States, and other partners. The proposal under discussion included an immediate ceasefire followed by negotiations toward a broader settlement within two to three weeks, though U.S. officials described it as only one of several possible frameworks still under review.
Meanwhile, military exchanges across the region continued. Airstrikes and missile attacks were reported in multiple locations, including Tehran and Israel, while infrastructure sites such as petrochemical facilities and airports were targeted. Israeli officials said their operations were aimed at weakening Iran’s military capabilities, while Iranian authorities reported attacks on key economic assets including energy installations.
The conflict has caused significant casualties across several countries and raised concerns about further escalation. Experts have warned that expanding attacks to include civilian infrastructure such as power plants and transport networks could violate international humanitarian law, which requires parties in armed conflict to distinguish between civilian and military targets.
