Iran has responded to the latest U.S. ceasefire proposal through Pakistani mediators, emphasizing the goal of permanently ending the ongoing conflict. However, President Donald Trump swiftly dismissed the proposal as “TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE!” without elaborating. Iran aims to cease hostilities in various regions, including Lebanon, where Israel is engaged in combat with the Iranian-supported Hezbollah group, and to secure shipping routes, as reported by state TV. The U.S. proposal includes provisions to resolve the conflict, reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and address Iran’s nuclear activities.
On social media, Trump accused Tehran of engaging in gamesmanship with the U.S. for nearly five decades, asserting that their actions will no longer be tolerated. The U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Mike Waltz, highlighted efforts to exhaust diplomatic options before resorting to military action. The new supreme leader of Iran, Mojtaba Khamenei, who has not made any public appearances since the conflict began, issued directives for continued operations and robust confrontation with adversaries during a meeting with military command officials.
A ceasefire that commenced on April 8, extended by Trump, faced a test when a drone sparked a minor fire on a ship off Qatar. Reports emerged of drones breaching the airspace of the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait, prompting the UAE to shoot down two drones and attribute the incidents to Iran. The ship attack was deemed a significant escalation threatening maritime trade routes, according to Qatar’s Foreign Affairs Ministry. The UK Maritime Trade Operations Centre did not disclose further details about the attacked vessel.
In response to the drone incidents, Kuwait’s Defence Ministry spokesperson indicated that forces reacted to the drones but did not disclose their origin. Iran and its allied groups, such as Hezbollah in Lebanon, have utilized drones for numerous strikes since the conflict began with strikes from the U.S. and Israel on Iran.
Trump reiterated his threats to resume extensive military operations if Iran fails to agree to terms for reopening the Strait of Hormuz and scaling back its nuclear program. The U.S. military has enforced a blockade on Iranian ports since April 13, claiming to have deterred commercial vessels and disabled some. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard navy warned of severe repercussions on U.S. bases and ships in response to any attacks on Iranian vessels. The negotiation process is complicated by Iran’s possession of highly enriched uranium, with the UN nuclear agency reporting significant quantities close to weapons-grade levels.
In an interview, an Iranian military spokesperson assured readiness to protect uranium storage sites, citing concerns about potential theft through infiltration or airborne operations. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized the necessity of removing enriched uranium from Iran to conclude the conflict, noting Trump’s willingness to take physical action.
Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed openness to Moscow’s proposal of relocating enriched uranium from Iran for negotiations. Most of Iran’s enriched uranium is likely housed at the Isfahan nuclear complex, which was targeted in airstrikes during previous conflicts. The facility faced renewed attacks this year but of lesser intensity.
Iran’s deputy foreign minister cautioned against French-British involvement in post-conflict maritime security operations in the Strait of Hormuz, warning of immediate and resolute responses to any actions violating international law. French President Emmanuel Macron clarified that the proposed mission would focus on securing shipping routes and not entail military deployment.
Recent attacks on ships in the Persian Gulf have prompted concerns, leading to a temporary halt in U.S. efforts to guide vessels through the strait. South Korea reported an investigation into an incident where the HMM NAMU vessel was struck by unidentified objects, causing an explosion and fire. Responsibility for the attack remains undetermined pending further investigations.
