Iran rejects US peace proposal, says war will end only on its terms

A senior Iranian official, speaking to state media, described Washington’s proposal as “excessive” and reiterated that Tehran will continue its military response until its demands are met.

“Iran will end the war when it decides to do so,” the official said, warning of continued retaliation against US actions.

Tehran has made it clear that negotiations will not resume unless a set of key conditions are fulfilled.

These include a complete halt to what it calls aggression by the US and Israel, guarantees against future military action, and compensation for war-related losses.

Iran has also insisted that any agreement must apply across all fronts in the region, including armed groups aligned with it, and reaffirm its sovereignty over the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz.

The rejection reflects deep mistrust in Tehran, with the official accusing Washington of past deception during earlier negotiations. Iran cited previous instances of military action as proof that the US did not engage in talks in good faith.

The latest tensions follow strikes launched on February 28 by the US and Israel, which, according to Iranian accounts, killed top leadership figures including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei along with senior military officials.

What did the US propose?

According to officials familiar with the discussions, the US plan included sanctions relief in exchange for curbs on Iran’s nuclear and missile programmes, as well as reopening shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz. It also reportedly called for limits on Iran’s support to regional armed groups.

Global stakes rise

The conflict has already had significant global repercussions. Iran’s restrictions on movement through the Strait of Hormuz — a route for nearly a fifth of the world’s oil supply — have driven up energy prices and raised fears of a wider economic shock.

Casualties continue to mount across the region. Iranian authorities say over 1,500 people have been killed, while deaths have also been reported in Israel, among US personnel, and in parts of the wider Middle East.

With both sides holding firm, prospects for a negotiated settlement appear increasingly uncertain, raising concerns of a prolonged and more volatile conflict.