Dubai/Tel Aviv – Web Desk: Iran is reviewing a U.S. proposal aimed at ending the ongoing Gulf conflict, but the country’s leadership has made clear it has no intention of immediate negotiations to de-escalate the widening Middle East war, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said Wednesday.
Araqchi indicated Tehran might consider talks if its demands are fully met, even as initial responses mocked any U.S. negotiations. “The exchange of messages through mediators does not mean negotiations with the U.S.,” Araqchi told state television. “Ideas were conveyed to top authorities, and a position will be announced if necessary.”
Iran has reportedly insisted that Lebanon must be included in any ceasefire framework with the U.S. and Israel, according to six regional sources familiar with Tehran’s stance.
U.S. President Donald Trump claimed Iranian leaders “want to make a deal so badly” but fear reprisals from both domestic and U.S. forces. His 15-point proposal, reportedly delivered via Pakistan, demands that Iran remove stocks of highly enriched uranium, halt enrichment, limit its ballistic missile program, and stop funding regional allies, according to Israeli cabinet sources.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reinforced a hardline approach, warning that failure to comply would trigger intensified military strikes. Senior Israeli officials remain skeptical about Iran’s compliance and seek to retain pre-emptive military options.
Meanwhile, U.S. Central Command head Admiral Brad Cooper reported over 10,000 targets inside Iran have been hit, with 92% of Iran’s largest naval vessels destroyed and missile, drone, and shipyard capacities significantly reduced. Despite these strikes, Iran continues missile and drone attacks against Israel and U.S. allies, while the conflict has disrupted maritime passages such as the Strait of Hormuz and could threaten the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
Global markets responded positively to news of the U.S. proposal, with oil prices easing as investors hope for a potential de-escalation. The Pentagon plans to deploy additional airborne troops to the Gulf, expanding U.S. operational options for a possible ground campaign.
