Iran, uninterested in 'temporary deal' with US, rejects Iraqi-led ceasefire proposal – report

Iran has rejected a ceasefire proposal from the US, delivered by Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, according to The New York Times. The proposal followed remarks by US President Donald Trump about a potential “massive attack.” Iraqi officials, including al-Zaidi, met with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, top negotiator Brig. Gen. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Iranian officials stated they were not interested in a temporary deal that did not address control of the Strait of Hormuz. Foreign Minister Araghchi commented that the issue was not a lack of mediators but “America's outlook, which is illogical, greedy, and controlling.” Iranian officials also indicated preparations for escalated regional attacks, including strikes on Tel Aviv and potential closure of the Bab al-Mandab waterway, if the US increased its attacks.