Iran Rejects U.S. Proposal and Sets Conditions for Ceasefire
Iran has formally rejected a U.S. proposal aimed at ending the ongoing conflict, outlining strict conditions that must be met before any ceasefire can be considered. According to state broadcaster Press TV, Tehran made clear that negotiations will not take place until its terms are satisfied.
A senior official stated that Iran will decide when the war ends and under what conditions, emphasizing that no talks will occur beforehand.
Conflicting Signals Over U.S.-Iran Negotiations
U.S. President Donald Trump previously suggested that Washington was engaged in discussions with Iran regarding a potential ceasefire. However, Iranian officials dismissed these claims, indicating that meaningful negotiations have not yet begun.
Reports indicate that the U.S. submitted a 15-point proposal focused on long-standing demands. Iranian officials, however, argued that Washington is effectively “negotiating with itself” in an attempt to manage a difficult situation.
Iran Criticizes U.S. Diplomacy and Signals Strong Response
Iranian officials voiced deep skepticism toward U.S. diplomacy. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei described past negotiations as “disastrous,” accusing Washington of acting in bad faith.
Meanwhile, parliamentary speaker Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf warned that Iran is closely monitoring U.S. activity in the region and remains ready to defend its territory if necessary.
Talks Unlikely Under Current Conditions
Iranian sources indicated that both ceasefire talks and broader negotiations are currently not viable. Instead, Tehran appears to favor a complete end to the conflict rather than a temporary truce.
At the same time, diplomatic efforts continue behind the scenes. Rafael Grossi suggested that discussions aimed at ending the war could potentially begin soon in Pakistan.
High Demands Complicate Path to Agreement
Iran has reportedly set a high threshold for returning to negotiations. Its demands include the removal of U.S. military bases from the Gulf, compensation for damages, lifting of sanctions, and maintaining its missile program without restrictions.
Additional proposals include restructuring control over the Strait of Hormuz—allowing Iran to collect transit fees—as well as guarantees against future conflict and an end to regional military actions.
Regional and Global Concerns Intensify
Efforts by mediators, including Turkey, Egypt, and Pakistan, are ongoing, but progress remains limited. Meanwhile, Gulf nations such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are reportedly urging the U.S. to maintain military pressure rather than pursue a quick ceasefire.
At the same time, military tensions remain elevated, with continued attacks reported across the region and increased U.S. troop deployment under consideration.
Market Impact and Investor Sentiment
The ongoing uncertainty is weighing on global markets, particularly energy and risk-sensitive assets. Analysts warn that prolonged instability could have significant implications for global inflation and economic forecasts.
Despite this, some investors remain cautiously optimistic that tensions may eventually ease, although a clear diplomatic breakthrough has yet to emerge.
