Iran has rejected a US proposal for a 48-hour ceasefire, according to the semi-official Fars News Agency, escalating tensions in the Middle East. The proposal, delivered via a “friendly” country, came after an Iranian strike targeted a US military depot on Kuwait’s Bubiyan Island.

Following the ceasefire rejection, Iran’s military confirmed shooting down a US A-10 “Warthog” attack plane over southern waters near the Strait of Hormuz. Earlier, the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps reported downing a US F-35 fighter jet over central Iranian airspace. A US Black Hawk helicopter on a rescue mission was also hit, though crew members remained unharmed. Israeli media reported the F-35 pilot was rescued, while the navigator’s fate remains unknown.

Since February 28, when US and Israeli attacks killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and senior commanders, 365 US troops have been reported wounded, with 13 confirmed deaths. The US and Israel continue airstrikes targeting Iranian infrastructure and military assets.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israeli air forces have destroyed 70% of Iran’s steel production capacity, aimed at cutting IRGC funding and weapons production.

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Meanwhile, Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) reported significant damage to its Al Taweelah facility in Abu Dhabi due to Iranian missile and drone strikes, halting operations and potentially delaying full aluminium production for up to 12 months.

The conflict has intensified regional instability, with the US, Israel, and Iran engaged in ongoing aerial and ground confrontations, raising concerns over further escalation.