Washington, July 24: Iran has reportedly turned down a United States proposal for a temporary ceasefire, arguing that any agreement would be meaningless unless it addresses the future of the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. The proposal was reportedly delivered through Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi during his visit to Tehran, according to media reports citing Iranian and Iraqi officials.
The reported rejection comes amid nearly two weeks of intensifying military confrontation between Iran and the United States, with both countries continuing to exchange strikes while diplomatic initiatives struggle to gain momentum.
According to officials familiar with the discussions, Tehran maintained that a temporary suspension of hostilities would not be sufficient if the status of the Strait of Hormuz remains unresolved. The waterway, through which a significant share of the world’s oil exports passes, has become one of the central issues in the ongoing conflict.
Although details of the reported proposal have not been made public, the United States has not officially confirmed or denied the existence of the ceasefire initiative. The White House has also refrained from commenting on the reports.
Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi travelled to Tehran shortly after meeting US President Donald Trump in Washington, prompting speculation that Iraq was attempting to facilitate indirect communication between the two rivals in an effort to reduce regional tensions.
Before the Iraqi delegation arrived, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi acknowledged that messages from Washington could be conveyed through Baghdad. However, he reiterated that Tehran was not actively pursuing mediation with the United States, arguing that the current crisis stems from what Iran considers Washington’s aggressive regional policies.
The diplomatic deadlock became more apparent after President Trump dismissed the possibility of an immediate ceasefire during remarks on Thursday. He indicated that military operations against Iran would continue, stating that Tehran had not yet demonstrated readiness for meaningful negotiations.
The conflict has continued to expand across the region despite diplomatic outreach. US forces have intensified air operations targeting Iranian military facilities and strategic infrastructure, while Iran has maintained attacks against commercial shipping routes and American interests in the Middle East.
The Strait of Hormuz remains at the centre of international concern because it serves as one of the world’s most critical energy corridors. Any prolonged disruption could significantly affect global oil supplies, shipping costs and international energy markets.
Reports also suggest that Iranian military planners are preparing for the possibility of a broader regional conflict should the United States increase military operations. Officials indicated that Iran could widen its response by targeting Israeli interests and encouraging allied groups, including Yemen’s Houthi movement, to disrupt navigation through the Bab al-Mandab Strait, another vital maritime passage linking the Red Sea to global trade routes.
Security analysts warn that simultaneous instability in both the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab could place severe pressure on global supply chains and energy transportation, affecting economies far beyond the Middle East.
Despite the deteriorating security environment, Iran and Iraq used the Iraqi prime minister’s visit to strengthen bilateral cooperation. Leaders from both countries signed four agreements aimed at expanding economic connectivity, infrastructure development and administrative collaboration.
The agreements include cooperation on cross-border road freight transport, development of the Khosravi-Khanaqin-Baghdad railway corridor, establishment of a sister-city partnership between Tehran and Baghdad, and joint programmes in public administration, training and human resource development.
The documents were signed in the presence of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi at Tehran’s Sa’dabad Cultural-Historical Complex, reflecting both countries’ intention to deepen economic ties despite growing geopolitical uncertainty.
With military operations continuing and diplomatic channels yielding little progress, hopes for a negotiated settlement remain uncertain. International observers believe the coming days will be crucial in determining whether regional mediation efforts can revive dialogue or whether the confrontation between Tehran and Washington moves toward a wider conflict with broader global consequences.