Iran rejects US ceasefire offer over Strait of Hormuz dispute

According to The New York Times, the proposal was presented to Tehran by Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi. The report, citing unnamed Iranian and Iraqi officials, said Iran was unwilling to accept a short-term ceasefire that did not address the future of the strategically important waterway.

The report comes after nearly two weeks of military exchanges between the United States and Iran, during which both sides have continued to carry out attacks. Iran has continued targeting ships in the Strait of Hormuz despite the reimposed US naval blockade. It has also launched strikes against American targets across the Middle East.

At the same time, the United States has continued airstrikes on Iranian military bases and key infrastructure, further escalating tensions between the two countries. Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi travelled to Tehran on Thursday after meeting US President Donald Trump at the White House earlier this week. His visit reportedly included efforts to help ease tensions between Washington and Tehran.

Before the visit, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the Iraqi prime minister might convey messages and viewpoints from President Trump. However, he stressed that Iran is not seeking further mediation with the United States.

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“The primary obstacle is the irrational, excessive, and hegemonic approach of the US,” Araghchi said while speaking to the state-run Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB).

President Donald Trump also took a firm stance, saying Iran was “not ready” to reach an agreement and claiming that its leaders “have some evil intentions.”

The reported rejection suggests that major disagreements remain between the two countries. With no immediate breakthrough in sight, concerns continue to grow over regional security and the stability of global shipping routes.