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 authorities showed early resistance to a U.S. ceasefire proposal on Wednesday, even as intermediaries hinted at the possibility of direct negotiations with the country by the weekend. The plan, reportedly conveyed through Pakistani diplomats, outlined a 15-point framework that would address sanctions relief, nuclear program reductions, missile usage limits, and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil passage for roughly 20% of global trade. Egyptian officials added that the plan would also curb Iran’s backing of militant groups in the Middle East.

Key Proposals in the 15-Point Plan

The 15-point proposal, which had been under discussion before the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran, included measures that Iran previously deemed unyielding. A senior Iranian military official, Lt Col Ebrahim Zolfaghari, called the plan “extremely maximalist and unreasonable,” while others stated the country was still assessing the offer, despite viewing it as overly favorable to U.S. interests. Prior to this, Iran had dismissed diplomatic efforts and mocked President Trump, suggesting Washington was negotiating with itself.

Escalation and Diplomatic Hurdles

Meanwhile, Tehran intensified attacks on Israel and Gulf nations, including a strike that ignited a massive fire at Kuwait International Airport. Israel’s continued air strikes on Iranian targets further complicated the situation. Zolfaghari’s statement emphasized Iran’s stance: “Our first and last words have been the same from day one… someone like us will never come to terms with someone like you.”

Some elements of the ceasefire plan were not novel, having emerged in earlier negotiations. Iran had resisted concessions on its ballistic missile program and regional proxy networks, framing these as vital to its defense against the militarily dominant U.S. and Israel. Egyptian and Pakistani officials suggested in-person talks might begin as early as Friday in Pakistan or Turkey, but details remained unclear.

U.S. Negotiations and Domestic Pressure

President Trump claimed the U.S. was engaging with an Iranian faction aligned with his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, and other advisors. Kushner and Steve Witkoff had proposed a one-month ceasefire during discussions. However, Iranian officials from both foreign ministry and military denied involvement in the talks, casting doubt on the exact participants.

Domestic pressure on Trump has mounted as Iran’s attacks on Gulf energy infrastructure and the near-blockade of Hormuz have driven global oil prices upward. The announcement of the 15-point plan led to a drop in prices, with investors anticipating an end to the decade’s most severe energy crisis. A recent Reuters poll found 59% of Americans believe the war in Iran has “gone too far,” contributing to Trump’s approval rating falling to a historic low of 36%.

Despite these challenges, Israel has pressed on with its military operations, aiming to weaken the Iranian regime. Israeli officials expressed surprise at the U.S. plan, which could ease tensions. As negotiations stalled, the U.S. increased its military presence in the Middle East, with at least 1,000 troops from the 82nd Airborne Division and 5,000 additional marines set to deploy, according to the Associated Press.