Tehran has confirmed that it has received diplomatic proposals through mediators to end the ongoing conflict with the United States. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei stated on Monday that new proposals have been handed over to Iranian authorities. However, Baghaei declined to disclose specific details regarding these offers or confirm whether they include a potential ten-day truce, as suggested by US media reports.
Speaking at a press conference in Tehran, the spokesperson emphasized that diplomatic efforts are running in parallel with the operations of the armed forces. Baghaei urged neighboring regional countries to ensure their territories are not utilized by the US military to launch or facilitate attacks against Iranian soil. The current hostilities, which began on February 28, have seen bridges, roads, and key military sites in Iran targeted by American airstrikes.
In retaliation, Iran has targeted military and civilian infrastructure across countries including Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan, asserting these sites host US military operations. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that Washington remains open to diplomatic solutions, but noted that recent Iranian missile and drone strikes, which resulted in the deaths of three American service members, are hindering progress. Rubio also alleged that a fracture has emerged within the Iranian leadership between factions favoring continued war and those seeking negotiations.
Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf dismissed US claims of seeking peace, accusing Washington of continuing to import military equipment into the region. Ghalibaf stated that Iranian officials are well-versed in these tactics and are prepared accordingly. Meanwhile, the US launched its ninth consecutive night of strikes, extending beyond the Strait of Hormuz to areas such as Tabriz. Iran has characterized the targeting of the Darkhovin nuclear facility as an attempt to stifle the nation’s economic development.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps continues to release footage of ballistic missile strikes against US targets. Amid ongoing aerial bombardment, speculation regarding a potential US ground offensive has intensified, particularly concerning the strategic Kharg Island. Baghaei warned that Iran is prepared to respond to any ground incursions. President Masoud Pezeshkian has defended the memorandum of understanding signed last month, arguing that it aligns with national interests. Nevertheless, Iranian military commanders maintain that the conflict will continue until full deterrence is achieved, ensuring the enemy does not miscalculate again.
