Iran Rejects US Ceasefire Proposal, Iraq Denies Reports
Iran has rejected a ceasefire proposal from the United States delivered by Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, according to a report by The New York Times cited by the Jerusalem Post and TASS. However, the Iraqi government has denied that such a proposal was presented.
The Jerusalem Post reported that Iranian officials told the NYT the proposal, brought to Tehran by al-Zaidi, failed to address the question of control over the Strait of Hormuz. The newspaper, citing Iranian and Iraqi officials, said Tehran was not interested in a temporary deal that left the issue unresolved. TASS also reported, citing the NYT, that Iranian officials stated Tehran was not interested in a temporary deal which would leave the Strait of Hormuz issue unsolved.
The Jerusalem Post reported that al-Zaidi traveled to Tehran with a delegation of senior Iraqi officials and met with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, top negotiator Brig. Gen. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. The visit came shortly after al-Zaidi's meeting with President Donald Trump in Washington, D.C.
TASS, citing a statement from the Iraqi prime minister's press service, reported that Iraq has denied the reports. The statement called the allegations "groundless and false" and urged media to rely on official sources.
The Jerusalem Post also reported on remarks by President Trump, who said he was considering a "massive attack; bigger than ever before." The article stated that Iran's armed forces were anticipating and preparing for escalated attacks against the US if Trump carried out threats to strike Tehran and other critical infrastructure.
The NYT did not elaborate on the specific terms of the proposed ceasefire deal, according to TASS.