Iran Rejects Ceasefire Proposal as Trump Issues Final Ultimatum

As the conflict between the United States and Iran enters its 38th day, Tehran has officially rejected a two-phase ceasefire proposal mediated by Pakistan and Oman. The rejected deal would have established a 45-day truce to negotiate a permanent end to the war. Mojtaba Ferdousi Pour, head of Iran's diplomatic mission in Cairo, stated that Iran will only accept a total termination of hostilities with guarantees against future attacks, emphasizing that Tehran will not negotiate while under direct military threat. In response, President Donald Trump has issued a final, "non-extendable" deadline of Tuesday, April 8, at 8:00 p.m. Washington time. The President warned that if Iran does not reopen the Strait of Hormuz and agree to terms by this deadline, the U.S. will intensify strikes to include critical civilian infrastructure, such as power plants and bridges. Trump characterized the current state of the Iranian military as significantly weakened compared to the previous month but warned that the U.S. remains prepared for a massive escalation. On the ground, military activity continues to take a heavy toll on infrastructure and civilian life. Recent U.S. and Israeli airstrikes targeting the Tehran province reportedly struck a residential building in Eslamshahr, resulting in at least 13 deaths, including six children. Meanwhile, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility for precision strikes against the USS Tripoli and an Israeli-owned container ship, alleging that the U.S. vessel was forced to retreat toward the southern Indian Ocean.