Iran has rejected a proposal for a temporary ceasefire in exchange for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a senior Iranian official told Reuters on Monday. The rejection comes as a deadline set by US President Donald Trump for strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure approaches.
The unnamed official said Tehran received a new plan from mediator Pakistan for an immediate pause in hostilities, but Iran does not believe Washington is ready for a permanent ceasefire and will not be pressured into accepting deadlines. Esmaeil Baghaei, a spokesperson for Iran's foreign ministry, stated that negotiations are "incompatible with ultimatums and threats to commit war crimes."
A US official described Iran's 10-point response to the proposal as "maximalist," according to Axios reporter Barak Ravid, casting doubt on the prospects for a diplomatic solution. Trump had earlier warned Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz or face severe consequences, but also indicated that negotiations were ongoing.
The proposed "Islamabad Accord," brokered by Pakistan, includes an immediate ceasefire, reopening of the Strait, and 15–20 days to finalise a broader settlement. Pakistan's army chief held separate calls with US and Iranian officials overnight. The final agreement would reportedly require Iran to forgo nuclear weapons development in exchange for sanctions relief and frozen asset releases.
Amnesty International has warned that attacking civilian infrastructure like power plants could constitute a war crime. Trump has stated there is a "good chance" of a deal but added, "If they don't make a deal, I am blowing up everything over there." The US deadline is set for Tuesday evening.
