Iran Rejects US Peace Proposals as Oil Prices Surge Amid Escalating Missile Strikes on Israel
Iran has dismissed United States proposals aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, labeling them as “unrealistic, illogical, and excessive.” This statement came on Monday as Iran intensified its missile strikes on Israel, coinciding with a rise in oil prices following the involvement of Yemen’s Houthis in the conflict.
Escalation of Hostilities
On the same day, the Israeli military reported intercepting two drones launched from Yemen. This incident occurred just two days after the Houthis fired missiles at Israel for the first time since the onset of the US-Israeli war against Iran, which has now extended throughout the region. Additionally, Lebanon’s Hezbollah also launched rockets at Israel on Monday.
The Israeli military responded with missile strikes targeting what it described as military infrastructure in Tehran and facilities associated with Hezbollah in Beirut, resulting in significant smoke over the Lebanese capital.
US Warnings and Diplomatic Efforts
US President Donald Trump reiterated a warning to Iran, demanding the opening of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route for global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies. He cautioned that failure to comply could lead to US military action against Iran’s energy infrastructure.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei indicated that Tehran had received messages through intermediaries suggesting Washington’s readiness to negotiate. This followed a meeting among the foreign ministers of Pakistan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey in Islamabad aimed at discussing mediation efforts.
However, Baghaei criticized the US proposals during a press conference, asserting that Iran is under military aggression and that its focus remains on self-defense.
A Pakistani security official noted that direct talks between the US and Iran appear unlikely in the immediate future, although efforts are being made to facilitate discussions.
Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Considerations
Baghaei also mentioned that Iran’s parliament is reviewing the possibility of withdrawing from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, which allows for the development and use of nuclear energy while prohibiting the pursuit of nuclear weapons. Trump has cited the prevention of Iran acquiring nuclear weapons as a key reason for military actions against the country.
Despite Trump’s claims of ongoing negotiations, he has also increased the US military presence in the region while Iran has maintained its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
In a social media post, Trump stated that significant progress had been made, but warned that if a deal is not reached soon, the US would take drastic measures against Iran’s energy infrastructure.
Fears of Military Escalation
The month-long conflict has resulted in thousands of casualties and has caused unprecedented disruptions to global energy supplies, impacting the world economy. Iran has targeted Arab Gulf states during this period, and renewed hostilities have erupted between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. A UN peacekeeper from Indonesia was killed, and another was critically injured due to a projectile explosion in southern Lebanon.
Brent crude futures rose by $2.42, or 2.2%, reaching nearly $115 a barrel, marking a potential record monthly increase. The Houthis’ attacks on Israel have raised concerns about their ability to disrupt another vital shipping route, the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
Market analysts have largely discounted the likelihood of a negotiated resolution to the conflict and are preparing for a significant escalation in military actions. Despite Trump’s comments suggesting a potential deal with Iran, the situation remains tense.
Israeli Strikes and Regional Impact
Iran confirmed the death of Revolutionary Guards Navy Commander Alireza Tangsiri on Monday, adding to the list of Iranian leaders killed during the conflict, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has been succeeded by his son, Mojtaba Khamenei. Despite these losses, Iran’s missile and drone capabilities have not been diminished.
Kuwait reported the death of an Indian national due to an Iranian attack on a power and desalination plant, although Iran’s Revolutionary Guards denied involvement. In Israel, debris from an intercepted missile struck an industrial building and a fuel storage tank near Haifa’s naval base, which Hezbollah claimed to have targeted.
Israel has indicated intentions to establish a “buffer zone” in southern Lebanon, raising fears of military occupation and further instability in the region. Reports from the US-based rights group HRANA indicate that nearly 3,500 people have died in Iran, including 1,550 civilians, while Lebanese authorities report approximately 1,240 fatalities. Additionally, over 400 Hezbollah fighters have reportedly been killed since March 2, although the official death toll’s inclusivity of these fighters remains unclear. At least 100 individuals have died in Iraq, and 13 US service members have also been killed.
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Published on 2026-03-30 14:05:00 • By Editorial Desk
