Iran Rejects US Peace Plan, Offers Own Terms as Middle East War Continues

Iran has turned down a 15-point American ceasefire proposal and presented its own demands for ending the Middle East conflict. The rejection comes as casualties mount with over 1,500 dead in Iran, nearly 1,100 in Lebanon, and millions displaced.

Iran rejected a comprehensive American peace proposal on Wednesday and presented its own set of demands to end the ongoing Middle East conflict, while simultaneously launching additional strikes against Israel and Gulf nations.

Pakistani officials revealed details of the 15-point American proposal, which broadly covered sanctions relief, scaling back Iran’s nuclear activities, missile restrictions, and reopening the Strait of Hormuz – a critical waterway that typically handles one-fifth of global oil shipments.

Through state television, Iran presented its own five-point plan demanding an end to assassinations of Iranian officials, guarantees against future military actions, war reparations, cessation of all hostilities, and Iranian control over the Strait of Hormuz.

“No negotiations have happened with the enemy until now, and we do not plan on any negotiations,” Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi stated on state television.

The conflict’s death toll has climbed to over 1,500 Iranians, nearly 1,100 Lebanese, 16 Israelis, and 13 American military personnel, along with numerous civilians throughout the Gulf region. Millions have been forced from their homes in Lebanon and Iran.

Kuwait’s Interior Ministry announced the arrest of six individuals allegedly connected to Iran-backed Hezbollah for plotting assassinations of Gulf state leaders. Five of the detained are Kuwaiti nationals, while authorities identified 14 additional suspects who fled the country.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth led a Christian worship service at the Pentagon Wednesday, praying for military success. “Let every round find its mark against the enemies of righteousness and our great nation,” Hegseth said during the livestreamed service, calling for “overwhelming violence of action against those who deserve no mercy.”

Congressional concerns are growing about potential ground deployment in Iran. Republican Representative Nancy Mace of South Carolina stated she would “not support troops on the ground in Iran, even more so after this briefing.” Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal expressed fears about troop deployment, saying “None of the president’s objectives can be accomplished without a physical presence there.”

Five Gulf nations and Jordan issued a joint statement condemning Iranian attacks “whether carried out directly or through their proxies and armed factions they support in the region.” The statement urged Iraq to prevent militia attacks from its territory and reaffirmed their self-defense rights.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appointed veteran French diplomat Jean Arnault as his personal envoy to lead peace efforts. “The war is out of control,” Guterres declared, emphasizing that “diplomacy must prevail.”

Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman al-Safadi confirmed Iran has launched dozens of missiles and drones toward his country during the conflict. Several regional nations have expelled Iranian diplomats following Tehran’s attacks.

President Trump has postponed his China trip to May 14-15, with the White House suggesting optimism about resolving the Iran conflict before then. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed “productive conversations” with Iran are ongoing but warned of escalated strikes if negotiations fail.

“If Iran fails to accept the reality of the current moment, if they fail to understand that they have been defeated militarily… Trump will ensure they are hit harder than they have ever been hit before,” Leavitt said.

The EPA announced temporary approval for higher-ethanol gasoline sales to help reduce fuel costs that have surged since the war began. However, experts question whether the move will significantly impact prices.

In Gaza, an Israeli airstrike near a displacement camp killed one Palestinian and wounded seven others from flying debris. Israel continues near-daily strikes in the territory, though Gaza’s militants have remained out of the current Iran conflict.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced expansion of Israeli-controlled areas along Lebanon’s southern border as fighting with Hezbollah continues. Lebanon’s Health Ministry reported 22 deaths in the past 24 hours, including 121 children and 81 women among total casualties.

House Speaker Mike Johnson suggested the war is “wrapping up” and “objectives have been met,” while describing U.S. troop buildup as a warning to Iran rather than preparation for ground deployment.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty expressed hope that differences between Iran and America “are bridgeable” and called current negotiations potentially “the last opportunity to de-escalate and avoid a full-fledged escalation in the region.”

Iran’s state television quoted an anonymous official saying Iran would “end the war when it decides to do so and when its own conditions are met,” vowing to continue “heavy blows” across the Middle East.