Iran responds to ceasefire proposal as drones target Gulf nations
Iran responded to the U.S. ceasefire proposal through Pakistani mediators, demanding an end to hostilities across all fronts, including Lebanon, while rejecting immediate discussions on its nuclear program. Meanwhile, drones attributed to Iran targeted ships near Qatar and violated airspace over the UAE and Kuwait, raising tensions despite the fragile ceasefire.
Iran submitted its response to the latest U.S. ceasefire proposal via Pakistani mediators, emphasizing a complete end to the war on all fronts, including Lebanon where Israel battles Hezbollah. The proposal also included demands for securing shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz, though Iran insisted its nuclear program would be addressed later. The White House had no immediate comment, but U.S. Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz reiterated President Donald Trump’s stance on giving diplomacy priority before resuming hostilities. Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, who has not appeared publicly since the war began, reportedly issued new military directives during a meeting with the head of the joint military command, though no specifics were provided. The fragile ceasefire faced immediate challenges when a drone ignited a fire on a ship near Qatar, while the UAE and Kuwait reported drones entering their airspace, with the UAE blaming Iran. No casualties were reported, and Qatar’s Foreign Ministry condemned the escalation as a threat to regional security. Iran and its allies, including Hezbollah, have deployed drones extensively since the conflict started on February 28 following U.S. and Israeli strikes. Trump has warned of full-scale bombing if Iran refuses to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and roll back its nuclear program, a move Tehran has largely blocked since the war began, disrupting global oil and gas trade. The U.S. has blockaded Iranian ports and struck two Iranian oil tankers accused of breaching the blockade, prompting Iran’s Revolutionary Guard to threaten retaliation against U.S. bases and ships in the region. The U.S. military reported turning back 61 commercial vessels and disabling four since the blockade began on April 13. Negotiations remain stalled over Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium, with the UN confirming Tehran holds over 440 kilograms enriched to 60% purity—close to weapons-grade levels. Iranian military spokesperson Brig. Gen. Akrami Nia stated forces were on full alert to protect nuclear sites, warning of potential infiltration or heli-borne attacks. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s upcoming interview with CBS was partially released, though no details on Iran were provided. The drone incidents and nuclear tensions highlight the fragile state of ceasefire talks, with both sides holding firm on key demands.
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