tehran

Iran's armed forces are prepared to retaliate after President Trump rejected tehran's ceasefire proposal, escalating regional tensions. The dispute over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil route, has already caused significant energy supply shocks and threatens global food security, with the UN warning of a potential humanitarian crisis.

Iran's foreign minister Abbas Araghchi claimeed that tehran has received new messages from the US expressing a desire to continue talks, despite earlier public rejections. Araghchi stated that while Iran lacks trust in American intentions, they are working to preserve a fragile ceasefire to allow diplomacy a chance, emphasizing that military pressure has proven ineffective.

Iran's foreign ministry has urged the US to abandon its "one-sided approach" and accept tehran's "legitimate demands." These include ending hostilities, lifting blockades, and releasing frozen assets. Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei stated Iran's proposals are reasonable and aim for regional stability, accusing the US of "maximum pressure" and blaming its actions for disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran said it had demanded the release of its frozen assets and the end of a US blockade of its ports, after US President Donald Trump angrily rejected tehran's terms for ending the Middle East war. The US leader did not say what had offended him in Iran's response, but tehran's foreign ministry said it had called for an end to the US naval blockade and to the war "across the region" -- implying a halt to Israel's strikes targeting Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Middle East conflict jitters are pushing oil prices higher, with Brent crude and WTI futures seeing gains. Ceasefire talks with Iran are reportedly "on life support" following tehran's response to a US proposal, which included broader regional demands. The Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil passage, remains a key flashpoint, with Iran asserting control, raising concerns about global energy supplies.

US President Donald Trump branded Iran's terms for ending the Middle East war "totally unacceptable", raising the possibility of fresh conflict and sending oil prices sharply higher in early Asia trade on Monday. The impasse unnerved global energy markets, with international benchmark Brent crude prices rising 4.65 percent to $99.95 a barrel during Monday morning trade in Asia.

Iran is reviewing a US proposal, with a response expected soon, potentially via Pakistani mediators. tehran prioritizes a full war cessation and sanctions relief over nuclear talks, seeking UN Security Council guarantees.

Iran's chief negotiator insists Washington must accept tehran's peace plan, warning of continued failure otherwise. President Trump, however, deemed Iran's response 'unacceptable,' escalating tensions. The ongoing conflict has triggered an energy shock, spiking oil prices and threatening global supply chains. Fighting also persists in Lebanon, with Hezbollah vowing to make the battlefield 'hell' for Israel.

Pakistan reportedly sheltered Iranian military aircraft at its airbases, raising questions about its neutrality as a mediator in the US-Iran conflict. US officials cited in a CBS News report claim Iran moved planes, including a reconnaissance jet, to Pakistan's Nur Khan Air Base. A Pakistani official denied these allegations, calling them implausible.

Senator Lindsey Graham has questioned Pakistan's credibility as a mediator in US-Iran negotiations, citing reports of Iranian military aircraft using Pakistani bases. Pakistan denies these claims, stating aircraft were for diplomatic arrangements. Broader scrutiny of Pakistan's mediation role has emerged within the Trump administration due to stalled talks and Iran's response to peace proposals.

Iran is betting it can outlast President Trump's term in high-stakes negotiations, employing brinkmanship and economic pain tolerance. Analysts warn this strategy, centered on weaponizing the Strait of Hormuz, risks escalating into renewed war if Iran overplays its hand.

Iran has presented a list of demands for a ceasefire with the US. These include lifting sanctions, compensation for damages, and the withdrawal of American troops. President Trump has rejected these terms as unacceptable. The standoff has impacted global oil markets and heightened regional tensions. Diplomatic efforts continue amidst ongoing clashes.

The UAE sought a joint military response from Gulf nations against Iran after tehran's attacks, but Saudi Arabia and Qatar refused, citing it as "not their war." This disagreement strained UAE ties with its neighbors and contributed to Abu Dhabi's growing frustration with regional partners.

Saudi Arabia conducted unpublicized airstrikes on Iran in late March, marking the first direct military action on Iranian soil in retaliation for attacks within the kingdom. This shift in approach followed Iranian strikes on Gulf Cooperation Council states, leading to an informal de-escalation understanding between Riyadh and tehran.