Iran rejects US ceasefire plan and submits its own amid push for talks
Iran Rejects US Ceasefire Plan and Proposes Own Amid Diplomatic Efforts
On Wednesday, Iran turned down the US’s ceasefire proposal and introduced its own five-point negotiation plan, as intermediaries worked to maintain open lines of communication between the warring nations. According to Iranian state television, an unnamed official stated that Tehran had declined the offer, which was delivered through Pakistan, asserting the country would “end the war when it decides to do so and when its own conditions are met.” The official added that until these terms were fulfilled, Iran would continue its military actions in the region.
Later, Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, confirmed the proposal had been “passed on to the country’s senior authorities” but emphasized that Iran had “no intention of negotiating for now.” The five-point plan outlined by Tehran included halting hostilities, ensuring the safety of its officials, preventing future conflicts, providing compensation for damages, and maintaining Iranian sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz—a critical maritime passage for roughly 20% of global oil trade.
US Stands by Negotiation Timeline
Despite Iran’s rejection, the White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, stated that talks were ongoing and “productive.” She noted that “it became clear that Iran wants to talk and President Trump is willing to listen.” Leavitt also mentioned the US had adhered to a four- to six-week timeframe for ending the war, calling it a “resounding victory” so far. The rescheduling of Trump’s trip to Beijing for May 14 fueled speculation that the administration hoped to conclude the conflict by that date.
Earlier in the day, intermediaries from Pakistan had handed over a 15-point ceasefire proposal to Iran. The plan reportedly called for sanctions relief, the dismantling of Iran’s nuclear program, restrictions on missile use, and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. However, the White House clarified that while some elements were included, others were not official. Certain points, such as Iran’s control over the strait, had already emerged as contentious issues in prior negotiations.
Iranian Skepticism and Security Concerns
A senior Iranian official speaking to Al Jazeera described the US proposal as “extremely maximalist and unreasonable,” while other officials acknowledged the plan was under review but viewed it as too advantageous to American interests. Meanwhile, Iran intensified its attacks on Israel and Gulf nations overnight, including a strike that caused a massive fire at Kuwait International Airport. Israel, in turn, continued its bombardment of Iranian targets.
“We have a very catastrophic experience with US diplomacy,” said Esmail Baghaei, a spokesperson for Iran’s foreign ministry, in an interview with India Today on Tuesday.
As diplomatic discussions persisted, the US maintained its military buildup in the Middle East. The Associated Press reported that at least 1,000 troops from the 82nd Airborne Division would be deployed to the region, alongside 5,000 additional Marines and thousands of sailors. This expansion of forces was set against the backdrop of ongoing tensions, with Iran’s leadership facing threats to its safety from Israel, which had already killed key figures in the country’s government, including more pragmatic leaders like Ali Larijani, the secretary of the Supreme National Security Council.
The White House confirmed that face-to-face talks between Washington and Tehran were under consideration, though it urged reporters not to “get ahead of themselves.” Trump highlighted that negotiations were occurring with a faction within Iran’s government, including his son-in-law Jared Kushner, special envoy Steve Witkoff, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Vice President JD Vance. However, Iranian officials from both the foreign ministry and military denied direct engagement with the US team, casting doubt on the extent of current discussions.