Iran gives negative response to US ceasefire plan amid push for talks
Iran gives negative response to US ceasefire plan amid push for talks
Iranian leaders voiced strong criticism of a U.S. proposal for a ceasefire on Wednesday, despite ongoing efforts to initiate dialogue. While intermediaries hinted at the possibility of direct negotiations starting as early as this weekend, the plan was met with resistance from Tehran. According to reports, Pakistani representatives who conveyed the U.S. initiative to Iran described it as a 15-point framework, including measures like lifting sanctions, halting Iran’s nuclear expansion, limiting missile use, and reopening the Strait of Hormuz—a critical passageway for roughly 20% of global oil shipments. Egyptian officials also indicated the plan would aim to curtail Iran’s backing of militant factions in the Middle East.
Some elements of the proposal were previously contentious during pre-war discussions. A senior Iranian official, speaking to Al Jazeera, labeled it “excessively demanding and unfair,” while others noted the country was still assessing the terms, though they found them skewed toward U.S. interests. Iran had previously dismissed diplomatic overtures, mocking President Donald Trump and claiming Washington was negotiating with itself. In the days prior, Tehran escalated attacks on Israel and Gulf nations, including a strike that ignited a major fire at Kuwait’s international airport, while Israel persisted with its aerial strikes on Iran.
“Our first and last words have been the same from day one, and it will stay that way: someone like us will never come to terms with someone like you,” stated Lt Col Ebrahim Zolfaghari, an Iranian military spokesperson.
Elements of the 15-point plan were not entirely novel, having been debated before the recent conflict between the U.S. and Iran. The nation had steadfastly refused to reduce its ballistic missile program or regional alliances, which it views as vital for defense against the militarily dominant U.S. and Israel. Talks were suggested to begin as early as Friday in Pakistan, with Turkey also considered as a potential location for discussions. However, uncertainty remained about the specific Iranian representatives engaged in negotiations, as officials from the foreign ministry and military refuted claims that talks were underway with Trump’s team.
Trump’s administration had reportedly engaged with a faction within the Iranian government, including contact with Jared Kushner, Steve Witkoff, Marco Rubio, and JD Vance. Kushner and Witkoff had proposed a one-month ceasefire during discussions. Yet, the identity of the U.S. negotiating team remained unclear, with Iranian officials denying the existence of active talks. The skepticism stems from prior setbacks, including two attacks on Iran during peace talks last summer and the U.S. strike on nuclear facilities. Additionally, Israel and the U.S. have targeted key Iranian figures, such as Ali Larijani, the supreme national security council secretary, raising fears about the safety of Iranian negotiators.
Domestic pressure on Trump to conclude the war has intensified, as Iran’s strikes on Gulf energy infrastructure and the near-complete blockage of the Strait of Hormuz have driven global oil prices to historic highs. However, market reactions shifted after the ceasefire plan was unveiled, with oil prices dropping as investors anticipated an end to the most severe energy crisis in decades. A recent poll revealed 59% of Americans believe the U.S. conflict in Iran has “gone too far,” contributing to Trump’s approval rating hitting a record low of 36%, per Reuters.
Meanwhile, Israel has shown little interest in halting hostilities, aiming to further weaken the Iranian regime. Israeli officials expressed surprise at the U.S. proposal, while Washington continued to reinforce its military presence in the Middle East. The Associated Press reported at least 1,000 troops from the 82nd Airborne Division would be deployed to the region, alongside 5,000 additional marines and numerous sailors.
