Iran, uninterested in 'temporary deal' with US, rejects Iraqi-led ceasefire proposal - report

Iran has rejected a ceasefire proposal from US President Donald Trump, viewing it as a "temporary deal" that fails to resolve the critical issue of control over the Strait of Hormuz. The proposal was delivered to Tehran by Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, who had recently met with Trump in Washington D.C.

Iranian officials, including President Masoud Pezeshkian, Brig. Gen. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, met with Zaidi and his delegation. While acknowledging the proposal was the only one on the table, they made it clear that a temporary arrangement was unacceptable. Araghchi highlighted the close economic, political, and security ties between Iran and Iraq, noting the significance of the visit amid regional tensions.

The rejection comes as Iran's armed forces reportedly prepare for potential escalated attacks from the US. According to Iranian officials cited by The New York Times, Tehran is ready to expand the conflict regionally if Trump follows through on threats to strike critical infrastructure. This expansion could include strikes on Tel Aviv and enlisting Yemen's Houthi rebels to close the strategic Bab al-Mandab strait in the Red Sea.

Iraqi Prime Minister Zaidi shared his "insights and impressions" from his meeting with Trump, but Araghchi criticized the US approach as "illogical, greedy, and controlling," suggesting the core issue lies with America's stance rather than a lack of mediators.

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America’s outlook, which is illogical, greedy, and controlling.