Iran Rejects U.S. Ceasefire Plan Amid Deadly Israeli Strikes in Tehran

Tensions between the United States and Iran reached a critical juncture on April 7, 2026, as Tehran officially rejected a U.S.-led 15-point ceasefire proposal. In a 10-point counterproposal delivered via Pakistani intermediaries, Iran demanded a permanent end to 'U.S. and Israeli aggression,' the lifting of all sanctions, and international recognition of its sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei dismissed the U.S. plan, arguing that a temporary pause would only allow regional adversaries to regroup. President Donald Trump, speaking during a series of events at the White House, described Iran’s counter-maneuver as a 'significant step' but noted it fell short of U.S. requirements. He reaffirmed a strict deadline of April 7 at 8 p.m. Washington time for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Facing domestic pressure over rising energy costs and supply chain disruptions, the President warned that failure to comply would result in military strikes capable of setting Iran 'back to the stone ages.' On the ground, the conflict intensified with Israeli airstrikes targeting the Iranian capital. Iranian state media and Israeli defense officials confirmed the deaths of Maj. Gen. Majid Khademi, head of IRGC intelligence, and Asghar Bakeri, a high-ranking Quds Force commander. The strikes occurred amid a sustained period of explosions and low-flying jet activity over Tehran, further complicating diplomatic efforts to reach a resolution before the U.S. deadline expires.