Iran has rejected multiple ceasefire proposals from Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, as its leaders believe they are not losing the conflict and perceive political pressure on the U.S. president. Iranian officials have indicated that a unilateral declaration of victory by Trump would not end the hostilities, and may even continue to disrupt shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran Rejects Ceasefire Overtures
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Iran seeks a permanent deal including a U.S. commitment not to attack Iran again. Kazem Gharibabadi, the deputy foreign minister, emphasized that any ceasefire must guarantee against future aggressive actions, stating that a temporary halt to attacks would be “meaningless” without such assurances.
The defiance from Iran is notable considering the regime’s initial focus on survival at the start of the conflict 11 days ago. Despite this, Iranian diplomats are exploring the possibility of ending the war as it did last June, or securing a pact that could include a conditional lifting of U.S. economic sanctions.
Mohammed Ghalibaf, the speaker of the parliament, posted on social media, stating, “We are absolutely NOT seeking a ceasefire.” He added, “Let the enemy know that whatever they do, there will certainly be a proportionate and immediate retaliation […] We are fighting eye for eye, tooth for tooth, without compromise or exception.”
The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) has asserted its control over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil and gas supplies, stating that vessels associated with aggressors against Iran will not be permitted passage. The IRGC also suggested that ships from countries expelling their U.S. and Israeli ambassadors would be allowed through.
Even President Masoud Pezeshkian struck a defiant tone, stating, “the destroyers have come and gone. Iran remains.”
Trump, during a press conference, considered arguments for declaring victory, potentially citing damage to Iran’s ballistic missile launchers and nuclear program. However, he ultimately refrained from asserting complete U.S. victory.
Alex Vatanka, a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute, suggested the regime believes it can sustain the war and potentially benefit from it, particularly after initial attacks on energy infrastructure sparked a shift in Iranian public opinion. Emile Hokayem from the International Institute for Strategic Studies, however, pointed to Iran’s significant economic challenges, including potential disruptions to trade and asset freezes.
Iranian diplomats argue that previous rounds of diplomatic talks were derailed by U.S.-Israeli airstrikes, creating an impasse for reaching an agreement.
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