- New York Times Says Tehran Dismissed Proposal Delivered by Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi
NEW YORK: Iran has rejected a ceasefire proposal from the United States that was delivered through Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, according to a report published on Thursday by The New York Times, citing sources familiar with the matter.
The report said Iranian officials informed the Iraqi premier that Tehran was not interested in a temporary ceasefire arrangement, arguing that such an agreement would fail to address the broader dispute surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically vital global shipping route.
Tehran Seeks Broader Resolution
According to the newspaper, Iranian officials maintained that a short-term truce would leave the Strait of Hormuz issue unresolved and therefore would not serve as an acceptable basis for de-escalation.
The report did not disclose the specific terms or conditions contained in the US proposal, and neither Washington nor Tehran has publicly commented on the reported initiative.
Diplomatic Efforts Continue
The reported proposal comes amid ongoing diplomatic engagement involving Iraq, which has sought to play a mediating role between Washington and Tehran during a period of heightened regional tensions.
Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi visited the United States late last week, where he held talks with US President Donald Trump. On Thursday, he traveled to Tehran at the invitation of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian for discussions with Iranian officials.
No Official Confirmation
As of Thursday, there was no official confirmation from the White House, the Iranian government, or the Iraqi Prime Minister’s Office regarding the contents of the reported ceasefire proposal or the outcome of the diplomatic exchanges. The New York Times report relied on unnamed sources familiar with the discussions.
BY: The Times Union
