Tehran (Web Desk/Agencies): Iran on Wednesday categorically rejected a claim by Donald Trump that its new leadership had approached Washington to seek a ceasefire, calling the assertion unfounded and detached from reality.
In a post on his platform Truth Social, Trump said that Iran’s “new regime president,” whom he described as less radical and more intelligent than his predecessors, had requested a halt to hostilities. He added that the United States would only consider such a request once the Strait of Hormuz was fully open and secure, warning that American military operations would otherwise continue with overwhelming intensity.
Tehran swiftly dismissed the statement. According to Iran’s state broadcaster IRIB, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said no ceasefire proposal had been made.
He also rejected reports suggesting Iran had presented a five-point plan, describing them as mere media speculation.
Araghchi emphasized that Iran would continue its campaign until the aggressor is held accountable and full compensation is secured. In remarks to Al Jazeera, he reiterated that while Iran seeks an end to the conflict, it also demands assurances that such attacks will not be repeated.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei reinforced this stance, stating that claims of Tehran requesting a ceasefire were baseless and did not reflect the country’s position.
Meanwhile, Axios reported, citing US officials, that discussions were underway regarding a potential ceasefire arrangement linked to reopening the Strait of Hormuz. However, it remained unclear whether these talks were taking place directly with Iran or through intermediaries, possibly including Pakistan.
Trump, speaking to Reuters ahead of a scheduled national address, indicated that US forces could withdraw from Iran relatively soon but might return for targeted strikes if necessary. He also voiced strong criticism of NATO, accusing the alliance of failing to support US objectives in the conflict and suggesting he is seriously considering withdrawing the United States from it.
At the same time, The Wall Street Journal reported that the United Arab Emirates is preparing to support US-led efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, potentially through military means. Citing Arab officials, the report said the UAE is advocating for a United Nations Security Council resolution to authorize action and is urging the formation of a broader coalition involving Western and Asian powers.
The country is also reviewing possible operational roles, including mine-clearing, as it weighs direct involvement in the conflict.
On the ground, Iranian media reported extensive damage to key industrial facilities following US and Israeli strikes. The Mobarakeh Steel Company in Isfahan, one of Iran’s largest steel producers, was heavily hit, with initial assessments indicating widespread destruction of production units. A subsidiary, Sefid Dasht Steel in the southwest, also suffered significant losses. These facilities are considered strategically important due to steel’s role in both civilian industry and military production.
Trump has continued to criticize NATO in subsequent remarks, describing the alliance as ineffective and accusing it of failing to back US efforts in securing the Strait of Hormuz. He argued that allied support in such situations should be automatic and drew comparisons to US involvement in Ukraine, suggesting that partners have not reciprocated Washington’s commitments.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the conflict may be approaching its final phase, though not immediately. He noted that communication channels between Iran and the United States remain active, with messages being exchanged and the possibility of direct talks emerging.
The war, now in its fifth week, began on February 28 when US and Israeli forces launched strikes on Iran. Tehran responded with attacks targeting Israel and Gulf states hosting US military bases. The conflict has since escalated, resulting in heavy casualties, mass displacement, and significant disruption to global energy markets.
Rubio said no country is currently obstructing US operations and indicated that Washington may reassess its relationship with NATO after the conflict. He raised concerns that the alliance may no longer serve US interests effectively, particularly if allies continue to deny logistical support such as basing and overflight rights.
Iranian officials maintain that the war was imposed on them and insist their nuclear programme is peaceful. Baqaei said Tehran has received messages through mediators but remains committed to defending itself while urging the United States to halt hostilities.
Elsewhere, the conflict has triggered broader regional repercussions. Missile debris from Iranian attacks struck parts of central Israel, though no immediate fatalities were reported. Israeli authorities said air defence systems were actively intercepting incoming threats.
The situation has also drawn in additional actors. Yemen’s Houthi movement claimed responsibility for a missile strike on Israel, describing it as a coordinated operation with Iran and Hezbollah. In Lebanon, Israeli air strikes in the Beirut area killed at least seven people and injured dozens, with Israel stating it had targeted senior Hezbollah figures, including a commander of its southern front.
Indonesia has called for a United Nations investigation into the deaths of three of its peacekeepers in southern Lebanon, following Israeli strikes that also reportedly killed journalists and medical personnel.
Amid the ongoing conflict, thousands of Iranians stranded abroad have begun returning home through indirect routes as direct flights remain suspended. Tehran has also requested assistance from the UAE to facilitate further evacuations via sea and dedicated air corridors.
Despite signals from Washington suggesting the conflict could wind down within weeks, uncertainty persists, with shifting timelines and mixed messaging leaving the prospects for a ceasefire or negotiated settlement unclear.