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TEHRAN/WASHINGTON – Iran has formally rejected a US-backed ceasefire proposal, demanding a “definitive end to the conflict” rather than a temporary pause as President Donald Trump’s 8 PM ET deadline to reopen the Strait of Hormuz approaches .
Ultimatum Rejected
Iran’s official IRNA news agency reported that Tehran responded to a US proposal—delivered through Pakistani mediators—by outlining 10 key conditions for ending the war . These include a complete cessation of regional hostilities, safe passage guarantees for the Strait of Hormuz, lifting of sanctions, and reconstruction commitments . Iran has rejected the idea of a temporary ceasefire, insisting on a permanent resolution .
Trump dismissed the response. “It’s a significant step, but it’s not good enough,” he said, warning that without a deal, “every bridge in Iran will be decimated” and “every power plant in Iran will be out of business, burning, exploding, and never to be used again” . On his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote: “A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again” .
Iranian government spokeswoman Fatemeh Mohajerani responded defiantly: “No threat can undermine our deeply rooted civilization” . Iran’s top military command described Trump’s remarks as “delusional” .
Strait of Hormuz: The Core Issue
The standoff centers on the Strait of Hormuz—the narrow waterway through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil passes. Iran has effectively closed the strait since the war began on February 28, and Tehran appears reluctant to relinquish this powerful bargaining chip without major concessions .
Trump has demanded the strait be reopened immediately, but Iranian officials have signaled they will not back down. The IRGC warned that any attack on civilian infrastructure would result in regional energy supplies being disrupted “for years” .
Strikes Intensify as Deadline Nears
Even as Trump spoke, strikes on Iranian infrastructure continued . The Israeli military said it had completed a wave of airstrikes targeting government infrastructure in Tehran and other areas, including an attack on Iran’s largest petrochemical hub . Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the facility had been “destroyed” as part of efforts to dismantle the Revolutionary Guards’ “money machine” .
Iranian officials reported damage to at least two bridges, railway infrastructure, and a key highway . A bridge near the holy city of Qom and another carrying a railway line in Kashan were struck, with two people killed in Kashan . A power outage was also reported in parts of Karaj and Fardis after transmission lines were knocked out .
Mediation Efforts Continue
Pakistan remains a key intermediary. Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar told lawmakers that a “dangerous development” occurred Monday night when Israel attacked Iran at a stage when both Washington and Tehran were “set to sit down” for talks . Dar said both sides had agreed to Pakistan’s facilitation, with talks to be held in Islamabad, and that Pakistan had successfully handed over proposals between the two nations .
According to a source aware of the plan, the Pakistani-mediated framework had proposed an immediate ceasefire followed by broader negotiations on a long-term settlement within 15 to 20 days . However, Iran’s rejection has left those efforts in limbo.
World Reacts
European Council President Antonio Costa condemned attacks on civilian infrastructure, calling them “illegal and unacceptable” . The International Committee of the Red Cross warned that “deliberate threats against essential civilian infrastructure and nuclear facilities must not become the new norm in warfare” .
Trump, when asked about potential war crimes, said: “I’m not worried about it” .
Human Toll
The conflict’s human cost continues to mount. A US-based rights group, HRANA, reports 3,546 people have been killed in Iran since the war began, with nearly 1,500 deaths reported in Lebanon . Thirteen US service members have also been killed .
What Comes Next?
With the 8 PM ET deadline now expired, the world awaits Trump’s next move. The president has left the door open for a last-hour agreement, writing: “Maybe something revolutionarily wonderful can happen, WHO KNOWS? We will find out tonight”
