Efforts to secure a ceasefire in the West Asia conflict have suffered a major setback, after Iran rejected a fifteen-point proposal put forward by the United States. Iranian state media reported that Tehran received the proposal through  intermediaries but dismissed it as excessive. It  has instead issued a five-point counterproposal.

The US proposal is believed to include demands for Iran to scale back its nuclear programme, limit missile capabilities, reopen the Strait of Hormuz to international shipping, curb support for regional armed groups, and accept phased sanctions relief.

         Iran has instead issued a five-point counterproposal. Tehran is calling for an immediate halt to aggression and assassinations, guarantees against future military action, payment of war reparations, an end to hostilities across all fronts including allied groups, and full recognition of Iran’s sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz.

         A senior Iranian official told state television that Iran will end the war when it decides to do so and when its own conditions are met, adding that Tehran is not engaged in direct negotiations with Washington and that the United States is negotiating with itself.

The conflict, now in its fourth week, shows little sign of easing as both sides harden their positions, raising concerns of further escalation across West Asia and growing risks for global energy markets.

. Iran and its allied groups have launched fresh attacks targeting Israeli positions and to  Gulf infrastructure, while Israeli forces have carried out additional airstrikes inside Iranian territory. Additional US forces, including elements of the 82nd Airborne Division, are being readied for  deployment to the region. Oil markets are also reacting cautiously, with traders closely monitoring the Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant portion of global energy supplies passes.