Iran has formally rejected a US-brokered ceasefire proposal delivered by Iraq’s Prime Minister, refusing to accept a temporary arrangement that lacks enforceable guarantees against further American aggression, according to a report by The New York Times.
Citing Iranian and Iraqi officials, the newspaper reported on Thursday that Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi conveyed the offer originally presented by US President Donald Trump during a high-stakes visit to Tehran. Iranian officials described the proposal as insufficient, particularly given the unresolved dispute over control of the strategic Strait of Hormuz and Washington’s history of reneging on prior commitments.
From Tehran’s perspective, repeated US actions have established a clear pattern of tactical diplomacy rather than lasting partnership. Iranian officials point to Trump’s 2018 withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) despite verified Iranian compliance as definitive evidence that US pledges are vulnerable to political whims. They further contend that sanctions relief has consistently been delayed, curtailed, or superseded by new restrictions, reinforcing what they characterize as a “double-cross” strategy where engagement coexists with economic and military pressure. Consequently, Iranian leaders maintain that trust must be earned through verifiable actions rather than diplomatic assurances alone.
Al-Zaidi arrived in Tehran accompanied by a senior Iraqi delegation, holding meetings with President Masoud Pezeshkian, chief negotiator Brig. Gen. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
Speaking to state television, Araghchi emphasized that the core dispute transcends mere message exchanges. “The problem is not passing messages,” he stated. “The problem is America’s outlook, which is illogical, greedy, and controlling.”
The diplomatic rejection comes amid escalating military hostilities. The US has carried out strikes on Iranian infrastructure, including railways, airports, bridges, and seaports, while Iran has responded with retaliatory ballistic missile and drone strikes against American military assets across West Asia. Tehran has repeatedly asserted that US bases in the Gulf region used to launch aggressions causing civilian casualties constitute legitimate military targets for retaliation.
Two Iranian officials told The New York Times that the country’s armed forces are actively preparing for a potential wider war should President Trump follow through on threats to target critical national infrastructure. They warned that any such escalation would prompt an expanded Iranian response across the region, potentially including strikes on Tel Aviv and coordinated action with Yemeni allies to close the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a vital maritime corridor linking the Red Sea to global shipping routes.
Back home, thousands of supporters rallied in Tehran’s Azadi Square on Thursday, demonstrating unity behind the country’s leadership and armed forces. A military vehicle carrying Iranian-made ballistic missiles was prominently displayed during the gathering, underscoring the nation’s readiness in the face of ongoing US pressure.
Source: Agencies (edited by Al-Manar)