Conflicting signals from Tehran and Washington
US-Iran tensions appear to be escalating as both sides issue contradictory statements. While officials claim readiness for negotiations and peace agreements, they simultaneously reject each other’s terms, propose new conditions for ending the conflict, and later resume threats, denying any ongoing talks.
Amid this diplomatic stalemate, Israel is pursuing its own military plan, conducting simultaneous airstrikes on Iranian and Lebanese targets, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu refusing even to consider a ceasefire.
Iran sets five key demands
Since Wednesday morning, Iranian military leaders dismissed the prospect of a deal announced by former US President Donald Trump. Brigadier General Ebrahim Zolfaghari mocked Trump, claiming he was “negotiating with himself.” The Iranian Foreign Ministry added that “no one can trust US diplomacy.”
Informally, Iran reviewed Trump’s 15-point proposal and deemed it excessive, issuing its own counterproposal with five main points:
- Complete cessation of attacks and assassinations by the enemy.
- Establishment of mechanisms to ensure no new aggression against Iran.
- Guaranteed compensation for war damages.
- End of conflict across all fronts and involved groups in the region.
- International recognition of Iran’s sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz.
Washington responds with threats
The US quickly responded. White House spokeswoman Caroline Leavitt confirmed ongoing negotiations amid threats, stating: “President Trump desires peace, but if Iran does not accept defeat, the US will ensure even harsher strikes. The president does not bluff and is ready to unleash hell. Iran must not miscalculate.”
Iran warns of Gulf retaliation
Iranian Parliament Speaker Bagher Ghalibaf warned on X that intelligence reports indicate enemy forces may attempt to seize an Iranian island with regional support. He threatened that Iranian forces would target vital regional infrastructure in response.
Israel accelerates strikes over ceasefire concerns
Meanwhile, Israel fears a US-proposed month-long ceasefire to facilitate US-Iran talks, according to Israeli sources cited by CNN. As negotiations between the US and Iran gain momentum, the Israeli military is striking as many strategic targets as possible. The New York Times reported that Prime Minister Netanyahu ordered maximum effort over 48 hours to destroy Iranian weapons infrastructure.
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