TEHRAN: Iran is reviewing a U.S. plan aimed at ending the ongoing Gulf conflict, yet has made clear it does not intend to directly enter negotiations to de-escalate the widening Middle East war, according to Abbas Araqchi.
Speaking on state television on Wednesday, Araqchi indicated that while Tehran is open to considering the proposal through intermediaries, it does not equate to formal talks with United States. “Messages were delivered to our senior authorities, and a response will be issued if necessary,” he said.
Regional sources reported that Iran has made inclusion of Lebanon a prerequisite for any ceasefire framework with the U.S. and Israel.
Donald Trump, addressing an audience in Washington, claimed Iranian leaders are interested in a deal but fear domestic backlash and potential retaliation from the U.S. His 15-point proposal, reportedly routed via Pakistan, seeks Iran’s removal of highly enriched uranium, suspension of enrichment activities, limits on ballistic missiles, and cuts to regional ally funding, according to Israeli cabinet sources.
The White House has withheld full details, with press secretary Karoline Leavitt warning of intensified military action if Iran fails to acknowledge a military defeat. Israeli officials expressed skepticism over Tehran’s willingness to accept the terms and emphasized preserving Israel’s option for pre-emptive strikes.
Meanwhile, U.S. Central Command chief Brad Cooper reported that U.S. strikes have targeted over 10,000 Iranian sites, degrading 92% of major naval assets and significantly reducing missile and drone activity. Two-thirds of Iran’s missile, drone, and shipbuilding infrastructure has been damaged, he said.
Despite these operations, hostilities continue. Iran has launched drone and missile attacks on Israel and U.S. allies, while Israeli forces carried out new airstrikes, including targeting shipbuilding and submarine facilities. Iran’s semi-official SNN News Agency reported damage to residential areas in Tehran, with ongoing rescue efforts. Kuwait and Saudi Arabia also reported thwarting drone attacks.
Financial markets responded cautiously positively to news of the U.S. proposal, with equities recovering some losses and oil prices easing, as investors hope for an end to supply-disrupting conflict.
The Pentagon is reportedly preparing to deploy additional airborne troops to the Gulf, supplementing two Marine contingents already en route, to provide the U.S. with options for a potential ground operation.
Iranian sources have also warned of possible escalation in the Red Sea, particularly the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a critical maritime route, while Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf threatened strikes on neighboring countries cooperating with U.S. or Israeli operations. Since the onset of Operation Epic Fury, Iran has targeted countries hosting U.S. bases and effectively disrupted traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, which channels roughly 20% of global oil and LNG supplies.
