Iran rejected a new U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal on Thursday that had been delivered to Tehran by Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, according to The New York Times, citing Iranian and Iraqi officials.
The full details of the proposal have not been disclosed. However, Iranian officials said Tehran was not interested in a temporary ceasefire agreement that failed to address the unresolved issue of control over the Strait of Hormuz, the newspaper reported.
The reported rejection comes after nearly two weeks of escalating military exchanges between the United States and Iran. Iran has continued targeting vessels in the Strait of Hormuz despite the reimposition of a U.S. naval blockade, while also launching attacks against American targets across the Middle East. In response, the United States has carried out airstrikes against Iranian military bases and strategic infrastructure throughout the country.
Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi traveled to Tehran on Thursday following his meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House earlier this week.
Ahead of the visit, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said al-Zaidi could convey messages and views from President Trump but stressed that Tehran was not seeking any further U.S.-Iran mediation.
“The main obstacle remains the irrational, excessive, and hegemonic approach of the United States,” Araghchi said.
