Iran gives negative response to US ceasefire plan amid push for talks
Iran Gives Negative Response to US Ceasefire Plan Amid Push for Talks
On Wednesday, Iranian leaders voiced early resistance to a US-led ceasefire initiative, even as intermediary channels hinted at potential direct negotiations beginning as soon as this weekend. According to reports, Pakistan’s representatives conveyed the US proposal to Tehran, outlining a 15-point plan aimed at easing sanctions on Iran, halting its nuclear development, limiting missile usage, and restoring commercial traffic through the strait of Hormuz—a critical route for 20% of global oil. An Egyptian official noted the plan would also curb Iran’s backing of militant groups across the Middle East.
Sticking Points and Skepticism
Some elements of the proposal had been discussed before the conflict erupted, but they remained contentious. A senior Iranian official told Al Jazeera the plan was “extremely maximalist and unreasonable,” while others stated the nation was still assessing its terms, though they viewed it as overly advantageous to US interests. Iran had previously dismissed diplomatic efforts, ridiculing President Donald Trump and accusing Washington of self-dealing.
Despite the ceasefire proposal, tensions escalated overnight and on Wednesday as Tehran launched additional strikes against Israel and Gulf states, including an incident that ignited a major blaze at Kuwait’s international airport. Israel, meanwhile, persisted with its military actions against Iran. Lt Col Ebrahim Zolfaghari, an Iranian military spokesperson, remarked,
“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.”
Historical Context and Diplomatic Hurdles
The 15-point plan included measures previously debated, such as Iran’s ballistic missile program and its regional proxy network. These were seen as vital to Iran’s defense against the militarily stronger US and Israel. Egyptian and Pakistani officials suggested in-person talks might commence as early as Friday in Islamabad, while others pointed to Turkey as a possible meeting site. Trump claimed the US was negotiating with a faction within the Iranian government, involving Kushner, Witkoff, and other high-level figures, but Iran’s foreign ministry and military officials denied these claims.
Iranian skepticism toward US diplomacy deepened after two prior attacks on the country during ongoing talks. The US had bombed Iran’s nuclear sites during a 12-day war with Israel the previous summer, and the conflict resumed while progress toward a broader agreement was reported. Israel’s actions also targeted Iran’s senior leadership, including pragmatic figures like Ali Larijani, the secretary of the supreme national security council, raising fears for the safety of Iranian negotiators.
Domestic Pressure and Global Impact
Domestically, pressure mounted for Trump to conclude the war in Iran, as attacks on Gulf energy infrastructure and the near-blockade of the Hormuz Strait drove up worldwide fuel prices. However, oil prices dipped after the 15-point-plan was revealed, with investors anticipating an end to the worst energy crisis in decades. A poll indicated 59% of Americans believe the US involvement in Iran has “gone too far,” contributing to Trump’s approval rating plummeting to a record low of 36%.
While the US sought to halt hostilities, Israel continued its military campaign, aiming to weaken the Iranian regime further. Israeli officials expressed surprise at the US ceasefire suggestion. As talks stalled, Washington maintained its troop buildup in the Middle East, with the Associated Press reporting at least 1,000 soldiers from the 82nd airborne division, along with 5,000 marines and numerous sailors, set to deploy to the region.
