Iran gives negative response to US ceasefire plan amid push for talks

Iranian Authorities React Unfavorably to U.S. Ceasefire Initiative Amid Diplomatic Efforts

On Wednesday, Iranian officials voiced early reservations about a U.S. ceasefire proposal, even as intermediaries hinted at potential direct talks between the two nations by the weekend. Pakistani representatives, who conveyed the U.S. plan to Tehran, disclosed it comprised 15 conditions, including lifting sanctions on Iran, halting its nuclear program, limiting missile usage, and restoring access to the Strait of Hormuz—a critical oil transit route for roughly 20% of global supply. An Egyptian official added that the plan would also curtail Iran’s backing of armed factions in the Middle East.

Several key provisions became major hurdles in pre-war discussions. A top Iranian official, speaking to Al Jazeera, called the proposal “extremely maximalist and unreasonable,” while others noted the country was still assessing the terms, despite perceiving them as overly advantageous to U.S. interests. Iran had previously dismissed diplomatic overtures, ridiculing President Donald Trump and claiming Washington was negotiating with itself. In recent days, Tehran intensified strikes on Israel and Gulf states, including an incident that caused significant damage at Kuwait International Airport, while Israel persisted with its aerial assaults on Iranian targets.

“Our stance has remained unchanged since the beginning: we will never agree to terms with you,” stated Lt Col Ebrahim Zolfaghari, an Iranian military spokesperson.

Earlier negotiations had already addressed similar elements of the 15-point plan. Iran had steadfastly refused to scale back its ballistic missile program or regional proxy networks, viewing them as vital for national defense against U.S. and Israeli military dominance. Egyptian and Pakistani officials indicated in-person talks might commence as early as Friday in Pakistan, or potentially in Turkey. Trump claimed the U.S. was engaging with a faction within Iran’s government, including his son-in-law Jared Kushner, U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Vice President JD Vance. Reports suggested Kushner and Witkoff had proposed a one-month ceasefire during talks.

Uncertainty surrounded the U.S. negotiating team’s identity, as Iranian foreign ministry and military officials denied Trump’s claims of ongoing discussions. The country’s distrust of U.S. diplomacy grew after being struck twice during previous talks. The U.S. bombed Iran’s nuclear facilities in a 12-day conflict with Israel last summer, and launched its latest campaign as progress toward a broader agreement neared. Israel’s attacks 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.

Domestically, pressure mounted on Trump to end the conflict in Iran, as attacks on Gulf energy infrastructure and the near-blockade of Hormuz drove global fuel prices higher. Oil prices dipped following the announcement of the 15-point plan, with investors anticipating a resolution to the worst energy crisis in decades. A recent Reuters poll found 59% of Americans believe the U.S. war in Iran has “gone too far,” contributing to Trump’s approval rating slipping to a record low of 36%.

Meanwhile, Israel continued its military operations, expressing surprise at the U.S. ceasefire suggestion. As diplomacy stalled, the U.S. military expanded its presence in the Middle East. The Associated Press reported that at least 1,000 troops from the 82nd airborne division, along with 5,000 additional marines and thousands of sailors, would be deployed to the region.