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Iran announced on Monday its desire for a permanent resolution to the ongoing conflict with the United States and Israel, opposing any quick agreements to reopen the Strait of Hormuz during a temporary ceasefire. Both Washington and Tehran are evaluating a framework plan aimed at ending their five-week conflict.
Iran communicated its stance on the U.S. proposal to Pakistan, dismissing a ceasefire in favor of a permanent resolution, according to the official IRNA news agency. The Iranian counteroffer included ten points covering regional conflict cessation, a protocol for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, sanctions removal, and reconstruction efforts.
President Donald Trump, who has issued threats of severe retaliation if Iran doesn’t agree to open the strategic waterway by 8 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (midnight GMT), rejected Iran’s proposal, asserting that his deadline is non-negotiable.
A recent attack in Tehran saw emergency teams working at the site of a strike amid the US-Israeli conflict with Iran. Trump remarked at a White House Easter event that the proposal from Iran was substantial but insufficient, indicating that the US regards other options as necessary.
Following Iran’s response to US and Israeli attacks in February by effectively closing Hormuz, a crucial route for approximately one-fifth of the world’s oil and natural gas supplies, Iran displayed reluctance to give up control easily. The strategic importance of Hormuz has given Iran significant leverage in negotiations.
A framework mediated by Pakistan suggests an immediate ceasefire, with subsequent talks on a broader peace agreement to conclude within roughly 15 to 20 days. High-ranking officials, including Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defense Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir, have been engaged in ongoing discussions with US Vice President JD Vance, special envoy Steve Witkoff, and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei emphasized that Iran’s demands are not signs of compromise but reflect their confidence in defending their positions. Previously, US demands, such as a 15-point plan, were dismissed as excessive.
A White House official noted that the ceasefire proposal is just one of many ideas pending approval from President Trump, who has branded ongoing military operations as “Operation Epic Fury.” Crude oil prices climbed amid the tension, rising 0.5% to $109.60 per barrel.
Trump also issued sharp warnings on Sunday via his Truth Social platform, threatening additional strikes against Iranian energy and transport infrastructure if Iran fails to reopen the Strait by the deadline. Meanwhile, regional tensions remain high with fresh aerial strikes, and Iran continues to retaliate against recent attacks.
The death of Iranian Revolutionary Guards’ intelligence chief Majid Khademi was announced by Iranian state media; Israel claims responsibility for his killing. A US-Israeli cyberattack targeted Tehran’s data center at Sharif University of Technology, disrupting infrastructure critical to the country’s artificial intelligence systems and other vital services.
Iran’s ability to continue fighting back was demonstrated through recent strikes on petrochemical facilities and an Israeli-linked vessel in the Persian Gulf region. Israel reported multiple missile launches from Lebanon and Iran, with some impacts causing casualties, including a missile attack on Haifa that resulted in four fatalities overnight.
Yemen’s Houthis also claimed responsibility for missile and drone attacks against Israel. The war has resulted in approximately 3,540 Iranian deaths, including at least 244 children, according to US-based rights group HRANA. Israel has also carried out invasions into southern Lebanon and strikes on Beirut targeting Hezbollah, leading to heavy casualties and escalating regional violence.
Thirteen US service members have been killed in the conflict, with many more wounded, underscoring the profound chaos and ongoing hostilities across the region.
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