Iran has rejected a last-minute ceasefire proposal aimed at halting the escalating conflict in the Middle East, insisting instead on a permanent end to hostilities as fighting intensifies across the region.
Read more breaking stories from our latest nigeria news
According to Iranian state media, Tehran dismissed the plan, known as the “Islamabad Accord” — which had been put forward by Pakistan following urgent mediation efforts between Iran and the United States. The proposal called for an immediate ceasefire, followed by negotiations toward a long-term peace agreement.
However, Iranian officials said the proposal did not go far enough, stressing that only a permanent resolution would be acceptable.
Read related news:
King Charles III to visit US despite calls for delay amid Iran war
Super Eagles soar past Iran with a 2-1 victory
Trump threatens to ‘blow everything up’ as Iran crisis deepens
The rejection comes amid a fresh wave of strikes by Israel on key Iranian infrastructure. Israeli forces targeted major petrochemical facilities, including sites linked to the South Pars gas field in Bushehr province, one of Iran’s most critical energy assets.
Israel’s Defence Minister, Israel Katz, said the strikes delivered a “severe economic blow” to Iran, adding that Israeli forces had “powerfully struck” strategic targets.
Shortly after the attacks, Iranian authorities confirmed that another facility in Marvdasht, near the city of Shiraz, had been hit. Local media reported that a fire broke out at the site but was later brought under control.
The latest escalation follows an earlier strike on the Mahshahr petrochemical zone in Khuzestan province, where at least five people were killed and 170 others injured, according to Iranian reports.
Tensions have further intensified following comments from Donald Trump, who has set a deadline for Iran to agree to terms or face further consequences. Speaking at a White House event, Trump said the ceasefire proposal represented “a significant step forward” but was “not good enough.”
“It could end very quickly, the war, if they do what they have to do,” he said, suggesting that negotiations were ongoing but incomplete.
Trump also indicated a hardline stance on Iran’s energy resources, saying that if the decision were his, the United States would take control of Iran’s oil assets.
Meanwhile, Israeli military officials signalled that operations would continue despite ongoing diplomatic efforts. Military spokesman Nadav Shoshani said Israel would be “quick to act” depending on political decisions, accusing Iran of using negotiations to delay while continuing attacks.
“The war is ongoing as talks are going,” he said. “If there is a ceasefire and our political leadership decides, we will act accordingly.”
For more updates on party developments, follow the latest APC news in Nigeria.
The developments highlight a widening gap between diplomatic efforts and military actions, with both sides continuing to exchange strikes even as negotiations proceed.
Analysts warn that continued attacks on energy infrastructure could have far-reaching economic consequences, not only for the region but also for global energy markets, particularly if disruptions affect key supply routes such as the Strait of Hormuz.
For now, the conflict shows no clear sign of easing. With Iran rejecting interim solutions and Israel maintaining military pressure, the prospect of a sustained and broader regional crisis remains high.
