Iran Rejects US 48-Hour Ceasefire Proposal Amid Escalating Tensions

Tehran — Iran has reportedly rejected a US proposal for a 48-hour ceasefire, according to the semi-official Fars News Agency.

The proposal was conveyed through a “friendly” country on Thursday, sources told the agency. The move comes as United States intensifies diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions following recent military developments in the region.

The reported ceasefire push gained urgency after an Iranian strike targeted a US military facility on Kuwait’s Bubiyan Island, further heightening concerns over the widening conflict. However, Iranian sources suggested the proposal came in response to mounting challenges faced by US forces after what they described as a “miscalculation” of Iran’s military strength.

According to the report, Iran did not issue a formal written response. Instead, its stance was reflected through continued military actions on the ground.

In a series of escalating developments, Iran’s military claimed its air defence systems shot down a US A-10 “Warthog” aircraft near the Strait of Hormuz, with the plane reportedly crashing into the Persian Gulf.

Earlier, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) also stated that it had downed a US F-35 fighter jet in central Iranian airspace. Adding to the tensions, the Mehr News Agency reported that a US Black Hawk helicopter was hit while attempting to locate the pilot of the downed aircraft.

Local authorities, including Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province governor Yadollah Rahmani, have called on residents to assist in locating what they described as “enemy pilots.”

The current escalation follows the February 28 US-Israel strikes on Iran, during which Israel and the United States launched coordinated attacks on Tehran and other cities. The strikes reportedly resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, along with senior commanders and civilians.

In retaliation, Iran launched waves of missile and drone strikes targeting Israeli and US assets across the region, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict.

With inputs from IANS