️ US President Donald Trump has rejected a peace initiative proposed by Iranian authorities and threatened to destroy the country’s infrastructure unless Tehran reopens the Strait of Hormuz within four days. Trump stated that his final deadline – Tuesday evening at 8:00 PM Washington time (00:00 GMT) – is “highly unlikely” to be postponed, adding, “They’ve had plenty of time.”

️ The proposal, conveyed by Iran through Pakistan, consists of 10 clauses, including an end to conflicts in the region, a protocol for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, the lifting of sanctions, and reconstruction. However, the head of Iran’s diplomatic mission in Cairo, Mojtaba Ferdousi Pour, told The Associated Press: “We won’t merely accept a ceasefire. We only accept an end of the war with guarantees that we won’t be attacked again.”

️ A White House official confirmed to AFP that the ceasefire proposal is under consideration, but Trump has “not signed off” on it, and Operation Epic Fury continues. Meanwhile, Israel struck a key petrochemical plant at Iran’s South Pars gas field, killing two commanders of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which has caused oil prices to surge and shaken the global economy.

️ When asked if he was concerned that attacks on infrastructure could be classified as a war crime, Trump retorted, “I’m not worried about it,” and added, “The war crime is allowing Iran to have a nuclear weapon,” calling Iranian leaders “animals.” These remarks may further escalate tensions in the Persian Gulf region.

️ Iran’s National Petrochemical Company said the situation is “under control” after the strike, with the extent of damage being assessed. The White House did not immediately comment on the attack. This situation raises serious questions about the future of the strategic waterway, through which about 20% of the world’s oil supplies pass, and the risk of war expansion.

Source: www.aljazeera.com