Iran Rejects U.S.-Backed 45-Day Ceasefire Proposal

Iran rejected a U.S.-backed proposal for a 45-day temporary ceasefire on Monday, demanding instead a permanent end to the ongoing conflict with security guarantees and sanctions relief. The decision, conveyed through diplomatic channels including mediator Pakistan, came hours before a deadline set by President Donald Trump for Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face attacks on its energy and transport infrastructure.

The proposal, drafted by Egyptian, Pakistani and Turkish mediators and sent late Sunday to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and U.S. Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff, called for an immediate halt in fighting and the reopening of the strait, which handles about 20 percent of global oil and gas shipments. It envisioned a two-phase approach, with 15 to 20 days for finalizing a broader settlement, potentially including commitments from Iran on its nuclear program in exchange for eased sanctions and released frozen assets. Iranian officials, however, described the offer as insufficient, citing past instances of attacks during negotiations and insisting on verifiable assurances against future U.S. or Israeli strikes.

"We won't merely accept a ceasefire," said...