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Iran has formally responded to the latest U.S. ceasefire proposal through Pakistani mediators, insisting that any deal must permanently end the war on all fronts — including Israel’s conflict with Hezbollah in Lebanon — while pushing nuclear negotiations to a later stage, according to Iranian state media.

Pakistan confirmed it received Iran’s official reply on Sunday. Tehran’s position directly challenges key elements of Washington’s proposal, which sought to immediately reopen the Strait of Hormuz and roll back Iran’s nuclear program.

The response comes amid a fragile ceasefire that has already been tested by multiple drone incidents, including an attack on a ship off Qatar and drones entering UAE and Kuwaiti airspace. The UAE reported shooting down two drones it attributed to Iran.

President Trump reacted sharply on social media, accusing Iran of “playing games” with the United States for nearly 50 years and warning, “They will be laughing no longer!”

U.S. Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz stated that the Trump administration is giving diplomacy “every chance we possibly can before going back to hostilities.”

This latest exchange reveals deep skepticism on both sides and raises serious doubts about whether a lasting peace can be achieved. While the U.S. wants immediate concessions on the Strait of Hormuz and Iran’s nuclear ambitions, Tehran is playing for time and demanding a broader regional settlement that includes its proxy forces in Lebanon.

The stakes could not be higher. The Strait of Hormuz remains largely blocked by Iran, disrupting global oil flows, while Tehran continues to stockpile highly enriched uranium — now just a short technical step away from weapons-grade levels. Meanwhile, Iran’s new supreme leader has reportedly issued “decisive directives” for continued confrontation.

Despite months of back-channel talks facilitated by Pakistan, the two sides appear far apart. Trump has repeatedly threatened to resume full-scale military operations if Iran does not meet U.S. demands, while Iran’s Revolutionary Guard has vowed a “heavy assault” on American bases if its tankers are targeted again.

The coming days will be critical. Is this a genuine attempt at negotiation, or is Iran simply buying time while maintaining pressure? The answer could determine whether the fragile ceasefire holds or collapses into renewed open conflict.