Iran has reportedly rejected a ceasefire proposal from President Donald Trump that was delivered through Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, according to The New York Times, signaling Tehran’s determination to continue fighting despite escalating U.S. airstrikes.

According to Iranian and Iraqi officials cited by the newspaper, al-Zaidi carried the proposal to Tehran after meeting with Trump at the White House. The details of the offer have not been disclosed.

Iranian officials reportedly warned that if the United States expands its attacks on Tehran or additional critical infrastructure, Iran will dramatically widen the conflict. They threatened to target Israel and direct their Houthi allies in Yemen to close the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, one of the world’s most important shipping lanes.

The officials also indicated that Tehran has no interest in a temporary ceasefire that leaves unresolved broader strategic issues, including control of the Strait of Hormuz.

During the visit, al-Zaidi met with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

Araghchi later downplayed the significance of Iraq acting as an intermediary, saying Iran and the United States already have enough channels for exchanging messages.

“The problem is not the delivery of messages,” Araghchi said. “The problem is the United States’ irrational, greedy, and domineering approach.”

The reported rejection comes as U.S. forces continue expanding strikes against Iranian military and strategic infrastructure, while Iran has responded with ballistic missile and drone attacks against American military targets across the Middle East.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)