Iran on March 25 rejected a 15-point ceasefire proposal delivered by the United States via Pakistani intermediaries, dismissing the diplomatic effort while simultaneously escalating attacks on Israeli and Gulf Arab targets [1].

The US plan reportedly included a 30-day ceasefire, full IAEA nuclear monitoring, and American assistance for civilian nuclear power, according to details that emerged through multiple news outlets [2]. Iran's state television quoted an anonymous official calling the proposal "illogical" and announced Tehran's own counter-demands: reparations from the US and Israel, formal recognition of Iranian sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz, and a complete US military withdrawal from the Persian Gulf region [3].

The White House downplayed the rejection. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that the administration rejected "the idea that" diplomacy had failed, though she offered no timeline for renewed talks [4]. The New York Post reported that Iran's counter-demands were widely viewed as maximalist positions designed to stall rather than advance negotiations [3].

The rejection came as Iran continued launching attacks on Israeli and Gulf Arab positions, including an assault that sparked fires in a UAE bunkering hub. Pakistan and Egypt, which had served as intermediary channels, have continued quiet diplomatic efforts despite the public breakdown.

-- Katya Volkov, Washington