By Elsie Kamsiyochi
As tensions surge across the Middle East, Iran has firmly rejected a temporary ceasefire proposal just days before U.S. President Donald Trump’s high-stakes deadline for reopening the Strait of Hormuz. With both Washington and Tehran weighing a fragile framework for ending their five-week conflict, the geopolitical crisis is deepening and the risk of wider war continues to rise.
Iran Demands Permanent End to War, Not a Pause
On Monday, Iran communicated its official response to the U.S.-backed proposal through Pakistan, which has been serving as a mediator between the two adversaries. According to Iran’s state news agency IRNA, Tehran dismissed the idea of a short-term ceasefire, insisting instead on a permanent end to hostilities with both the U.S. and Israel.
Iran’s response consisted of 10 major demands, including:
- A full cessation of conflict across the region
- A formal protocol guaranteeing safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz
- Removal of sanctions imposed by the U.S. and allies
- Reconstruction commitments for war-damaged infrastructure
Tehran made clear that it views these conditions not as concessions, but as an assertion of its strategic leverage and ability to defend its interests.
Trump Rejects Iranian Terms, Threatens ‘Hell’ if Strait Stays Closed
President Trump dismissed Iran’s proposal within hours, calling it “a significant step” but ultimately “not good enough.” Speaking at a White House Easter event, he reiterated that Iran must agree to a deal by Tuesday at 8 p.m. EDT or face devastating consequences.
The president has repeatedly warned that the U.S. is prepared to “rain hell” on Iran if it does not reopen the Strait of Hormuz—one of the world’s most vital energy arteries accounting for 20% of global oil and natural gas shipments.
In a profanity-filled post on Truth Social the previous day, Trump threatened additional strikes targeting Iran’s energy network, transportation routes, and other strategic assets.
Strait of Hormuz: Iran’s Most Powerful Bargaining Chip
After U.S. and Israeli attacks in February, Iran effectively shut down the Strait of Hormuz, sending global energy markets into turmoil and sharply raising oil prices. Despite intense international pressure, Tehran remains reluctant to give up its strongest point of leverage prematurely.
Brent crude rose 0.5% to $109.60 a barrel, reflecting renewed anxiety over the unfolding crisis.
Pakistan Mediates Midnight Diplomacy
Pakistan’s military chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, has emerged as a central figure in the negotiations. According to diplomatic sources, Munir spent “all night” coordinating with:
- U.S. Vice President JD Vance
- Special envoy Steve Witkoff
- Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi
The Pakistani-backed framework proposes:
- An immediate ceasefire
- Follow-on peace talks to be completed in 15–20 days
But Tehran’s rejection of temporary measures appears to have thrown the plan into jeopardy.
White House: Ceasefire Plan Still ‘Just One Idea’
A White House official noted that Trump will address the proposed deal at a 1 p.m. ET press conference, but stressed that “Operation Epic Fury”—the U.S. campaign against Iran—remains fully active.
“This is one of many ideas,” the official said, emphasizing that Trump has not approved the framework.
Intensifying Military Strikes Across Region
Fresh aerial attacks rippled across the region on Monday. Israeli and U.S. strikes targeted Iranian infrastructure, including a major data center at Sharif University in Tehran. Iran confirmed two petrochemical complexes were hit, including the strategically important South Pars facility.
Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a chilling warning, vowing to obliterate Iran’s infrastructure and target its leadership “one by one.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu echoed that sentiment, declaring that Israel is “stronger than ever” while Iran’s Revolutionary Guards are “weaker than ever.”
Regional Casualties Mounting
The human toll continues to rise dramatically:
- Iran: 3,540 killed, including 244 children
- Israel: 23 dead following heavy rocket fire, including a fatal strike in Haifa
- Lebanon: 1,461 killed amid Israel’s offensive against Hezbollah
- United States: 13 service members killed, hundreds wounded
Iran and allied groups—including Yemen’s Houthis—have launched missile and drone attacks across several countries, striking petrochemical sites and even an Israeli-linked vessel.
Legal and Ethical Concerns Over U.S. Threats
Trump has repeatedly signaled willingness to expand strikes to civilian infrastructure such as bridges and power plants. Legal experts warn such attacks could violate the Geneva Conventions, which prohibit deliberate targeting of civilian objects during wartime.
A Rapidly Closing Window for Peace
With the Tuesday deadline looming, the standoff has reached a critical moment. Iran remains steadfast in demanding a permanent resolution, while the U.S. insists on reopening Hormuz immediately. Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts continue, but the gap between the two sides appears vast.
Unless last-minute progress is made, the region—and global markets—may be on the brink of a far more destructive confrontation.
Source Reuters
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