Iran Reviews Ceasefire Plan Amid Conflicting Signals

Iran signaled cautious consideration of a U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal while denying any ongoing negotiations, even as Washington claims diplomatic engagement is underway and pressures mount to end the conflict.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stated that no direct negotiations with the United States are taking place, clarifying that communications through intermediaries do not constitute formal dialogue.

“Messages conveyed through friendly countries and our responses are not negotiations,” he said in a televised interview.

In contrast, U.S. President Donald Trump asserted that Iranian leaders are actively seeking a deal but are reluctant to admit it publicly due to internal and external threats. However, Washington has not clarified which Iranian figures are involved, particularly after heavy losses among Tehran’s leadership.

Tehran dismissed a 15-point U.S. ceasefire proposal delivered via Pakistan, emphasizing it would end the war only under its own terms. Iranian officials stressed that fighting would continue until those conditions are met.

Iran’s five-point counter-proposal includes:

• An immediate end to hostilities and targeted assassinations
• Guarantees against future military action
• Financial reparations for war damages
• Recognition of Iran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz
• Inclusion of regional actors such as Lebanon in any agreement

Despite the rejection, the White House maintains that discussions remain ongoing and “productive,” suggesting a narrow diplomatic window remains open.

The conflict has significantly reshaped Iran’s leadership structure. Supreme leader Ali Khamenei was killed in an early Israeli strike and succeeded by his son Mojtaba Khamenei, who has since been wounded and absent from public view.

Meanwhile, U.S. and Israeli operations have inflicted heavy military losses. U.S. Central Command chief Brad Cooper reported over 10,000 targets struck, with 92% of Iran’s major naval vessels destroyed and missile capabilities reduced by more than 90%.

Israel confirmed continued large-scale strikes across Iranian territory, including key infrastructure in cities such as Isfahan, while missile and drone exchanges persist across the Gulf.

The الحرب has triggered what analysts describe as the worst energy shock in modern history. The effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz—a route for roughly 20% of global oil and gas—has disrupted supply chains worldwide.

Industries ranging from aviation to agriculture are struggling with soaring fuel costs and declining demand. The World Food Programme warns that prolonged conflict could push tens of millions into acute hunger by June.

Sultan Al Jaber described Iran’s actions as “economic terrorism,” warning that global consumers are already paying the price through rising fuel and food costs.

International actors are intensifying calls for de-escalation. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi urged renewed dialogue in calls with regional counterparts, while U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned the world is “on the brink of a wider war.”

At the same time, the U.S. is expanding its military footprint in the region, deploying thousands of additional troops, including airborne units and Marines, to strengthen its operational options.