Iran has informed the U.S. through intermediaries that it rejects the Trump administration's 15-point proposal for negotiations, Iran's English-language Press TV reported on Wednesday.
Why it matters: The U.S. offer includes many elements Tehran has repeatedly opposed, but rejecting it outright could increase the risk of a major escalation — including the possibility Trump will revive his threat to destroy Iranian power plants.
- The Iranian position, which was reported in other Iranian and pro-Iran media outlets in the region, could take the U.S. push for in-person peace talks this week off the table for now.
What they're saying: A senior Iranian official told Press TV the U.S. terms were "excessive" and the war would only end "on Tehran's own terms and timeline."
- The Iranian official told Press TV that Tehran saw the latest proposal by the Trump administration to hold negotiations "as a ploy."
- Axios reported overnight that Iran had told the mediators it suspected Trump's push for peace talks was a ruse, given the U.S. is currently sending thousands of troops to the region.
Press TV reported that Iran has five conditions for a ceasefire and ending the war:
- Complete halting of attacks and assassinations by the U.S. and Israel.
- The establishment of mechanisms to ensure the war doesn't resume.
- Compensation for damages caused during the war.
- Halting all U.S. and Israeli attacks against Hezbollah in Lebanon and pro-Iranian militias in Iraq.
- Receiving international recognition and guarantees for Iran's authority over the Strait of Hormuz.
Between the lines: It's not entirely clear how much of the Iranian position is posturing vs. actually closing the door on negotiations. A U.S. official said the Trump administration had yet to receive any messages from Iran rejecting the offer.
This is a breaking news story and will be updated.
