Highlights: Iran strikes Israeli cities, US bases as war enters day 27; Washington says it 'will hit harder'

Tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate sharply as diplomatic signals from Tehran and Washington remain deeply contradictory. Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi has firmly rejected claims of ongoing negotiations with the United States, insisting that Tehran’s current policy is rooted in “resistance” rather than dialogue. Speaking on state television, he dismissed any talk of negotiations as premature and even as an “admission of defeat,” underscoring Iran’s hardened stance amid nearly a month of active conflict.Trump administration had proposed a 15-point ceasefire plan to Iran, according to a person familiar with the proposal, even as the US military prepares to deploy at least 1,000 additional troops to a region where around 50,000 are already stationed.The proposal was conveyed to Tehran through intermediaries from Pakistan, which has also offered to host renewed talks between Washington and Tehran. The New York Times earlier reported that the plan had already been delivered to Iranian officials.At the same time, the Pentagon is deploying two Marine Expeditionary Units, adding roughly 5,000 Marines and thousands of sailors to the region. Israeli officials, who have been urging Donald Trump to continue military action against Iran, were reportedly caught off guard by the ceasefire proposal. The move is being framed as an attempt by Trump to maintain “maximum flexibility” as the situation evolves. The White House has not commented.Earlier, Trump said the US was engaged in talks with Iran to end the conflict, even as fighting intensified, with airstrikes hitting Iranian targets and Tehran launching missiles and drones toward Israel and other locations. Iran, however, has denied that any negotiations are underway. Meanwhile, tensions around the Strait of Hormuz have disrupted global shipping, driven up fuel prices and raised concerns about the global economy.Any potential negotiations face significant hurdles. Disagreements over Iran’s missile and nuclear programmes persist, and it remains unclear who within Iran’s leadership would be authorised—or willing—to negotiate amid ongoing Israeli strikes. Tehran also remains deeply distrustful of Washington following past attacks during diplomatic engagements.Separately, at least 1,000 troops from the 82nd Airborne Division are expected to be deployed to the Middle East in the coming days. Known as a rapid-response force, the unit is trained for operations in hostile environments, including securing key infrastructure. The Marine deployments have also fuelled speculation that the US could attempt to seize Kharg Island, a critical node in Iran’s oil network. Iran has warned it could mine the Persian Gulf if US troops appear poised to land.Trump has also held off on earlier threats to target Iran’s power infrastructure as talks potentially take shape, a move analysts say could buy time for military positioning while leaving the door open for a diplomatic off-ramp.Key points:US proposes a 15-point ceasefire plan to Iran via Pakistani intermediariesAdditional US troop deployments signal continued military buildup in the regionIran denies talks even as conflict with Israel intensifiesStrait of Hormuz tensions disrupt global shipping and fuel marketsAny negotiations face major hurdles amid distrust and ongoing strikes