Iran Rejects U.S. Ceasefire Proposal Amid Escalating Military Strikes

Iran firmly rejected a ceasefire proposal from the United States on Thursday, delivered by Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi during a visit to Tehran, as U.S. Central Command completed its 13th consecutive night of targeted strikes against Iranian military sites. The refusal marks a significant setback for diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions that have surged since a June agreement unraveled over control of the Strait of Hormuz.

Details of the Ceasefire Proposal and Rejection

The ceasefire offer was conveyed by Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi after his recent meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House earlier this month. Upon arriving in Tehran on Wednesday, al-Zaidi met with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to present the terms. However, Iranian officials made clear they were unwilling to accept what they termed a “temporary deal” that failed to address the critical issue of navigation rights through the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic chokepoint for global oil shipments and a key driver of the ongoing conflict.

This diplomatic impasse underscores Iran’s insistence on a broader resolution that includes recognition of its interests in the strait, rather than a temporary halt to hostilities. Tehran’s rejection came as U.S. airstrikes targeted command centers, drone depots, and communication infrastructures linked to Iran’s military network.

U.S. Military Actions Continue Unabated

U.S. Central Command reported that the 13th night of strikes lasted over two hours, concluding at 9 p.m. Eastern Time. The operation focused on degrading Iranian military command nodes, drone storage facilities, coastal surveillance systems, and maritime capabilities. Despite the ongoing military pressure, CENTCOM emphasized that the Strait of Hormuz remains open for international navigation and that the U.S. maintains a robust presence with over 50,000 troops deployed throughout the region.

President Trump indicated no immediate plans to halt the operations, suggesting in an interview with Axios the possibility of a “massive attack, bigger than ever before,” while noting that Iran “hasn’t received enough pain yet.” However, officials confirmed that no new strikes had been ordered as of Thursday night.

Conflict Expands on Multiple Fronts

The conflict widened as Iran-backed Houthi forces launched attacks on two Saudi oil tankers, the Encelia and the Layla, in the Red Sea. Saudi authorities confirmed a fire aboard the Encelia but reported that the crew remained safe. In parallel, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard claimed responsibility for missile and drone strikes on U.S. military installations in Jordan and Kuwait, including an attack on a Kuwaiti telecommunications tower, which was described as retaliation for U.S. strikes on Iranian telecom infrastructure.

Moreover, Brent crude oil prices briefly surged past $100 per barrel for the first time since May, reflecting escalating concerns over regional stability and supply disruptions.

U.S. Congress and International Response

Amid escalating hostilities, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a war powers resolution directing the removal of U.S. forces from combat operations against Iran. The resolution, sponsored by Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), passed narrowly with bipartisan support but is non-binding as a concurrent resolution. A similar measure in the Senate failed by a slim margin.

At the United Nations Security Council, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres issued a stark warning about the deteriorating situation. He cautioned that events are “teetering on the edge of the unimaginable” and called for an immediate return to diplomacy and the restoration of freedom of navigation in key waterways.

The diplomatic breakdown and continued military actions highlight the precarious state of affairs in the Middle East, with no clear resolution in sight as of Thursday night. Both sides remain entrenched, and the international community watches closely as tensions threaten broader regional instability.