Iran received a U.S.-backed 15-point ceasefire plan Wednesday, even as Tehran launched fresh strikes on Israel and Gulf states - including a drone attack that ignited a fire at Kuwait International Airport.
Pakistan delivered the proposal, which includes sanctions relief, nuclear rollback, missile limits, and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Egypt confirmed it also restricts Iranian support for armed groups.
Tehran publicly rejected negotiations. Lt. Col. Ebrahim Zolfaghari declared: “Someone like us will never come to terms with someone like you. Not now, not ever.”
The U.S. simultaneously deployed 1,000 paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne and plans to send 5,000 Marines. President Trump claimed talks are underway with Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, Marco Rubio, and JD Vance - though Iran denies direct contact.
Israeli officials were reportedly surprised by the ceasefire initiative. Israel continues targeting Iranian infrastructure, including strikes in Qazvin.
Oil prices briefly dropped below $100/barrel after nearing $120, but remain 35% above pre-war levels. Iran admits charging ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz - a key global oil chokepoint.
Casualties mount: over 1,500 dead in Iran, 16 in Israel, 13 U.S. troops, and more than 1,000 in Lebanon amid Hezbollah clashes.
Mediators aim for face-to-face U.S.-Iran talks in Pakistan as early as Friday - an effort facing monumental diplomatic and military hurdles.