Iran has rejected negotiations with the United States under threats from President Donald Trump, amid uncertainty over talks for a potential 45-day ceasefire in the ongoing conflict.
A proposal for a 45-day ceasefire is “one of many things being discussed,” according to NBC News. The US President hasn’t not signed off on the idea.
“A negotiation is in no way compatible with ultimatums, crimes, or threats to commit war crimes,” said Ismail Bagaei, spokesperson for the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, during a press conference.
He added that a ceasefire “would mean [for the US] a pause to regroup and rearm to continue the crimes,” and Iran demands “an end to the imposed war, along with guarantees that the harmful cycle will not repeat.”
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US President Donald Trump today renewed his threats against Iran, warning of attacks on power plants and bridges if the Strait of Hormuz is not reopened by Tuesday.
In a post on his social media, Trump wrote: “Tuesday will be the day of power plants and bridges, all in one, in Iran. Nothing like this will ever happen again. Open the damn strait, you crazies, or live in hell.”
Earlier, he also claimed that the pilot of a US fighter jet downed last Friday was “seriously injured” in the Iranian mountains and had been rescued. Tehran immediately denied this, stating that Iranian forces—including the Revolutionary Guard, Basij militia, and army units—repelled the US rescue attempt.
According to the Iranian Khatam al-Anbiya Headquarters, the rescue effort involving helicopters and a C-130 transport aircraft failed, contradicting Trump’s account of a successful operation. The Revolutionary Guard accused the US president of attempting to cover up the operation’s failure.
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Trump described the mission as a rare and dangerous operation, praising the personnel involved for their “incredible courage and skill.” He also announced a military briefing in the White House’s Oval Office on Monday at 13:00 ET (18:00 Lisbon time).
The renewed threats escalate tensions in the Gulf, where Iran has previously closed the Strait of Hormuz and carried out attacks on US and allied interests.