The U.S. and Iran have received a peace proposal, with Tehran preparing its response, as Trump warns of “hell” if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed.

Iran has prepared its reply to the proposed ceasefire terms, according to a foreign ministry spokesperson.

Iran has outlined its positions and demands in response to recent ceasefire proposals delivered through intermediaries, a foreign ministry spokesperson said Monday, stressing that negotiations cannot proceed under ultimatums or threats of war crimes.

Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei noted that Tehran’s requirements—based on national interests—have already been communicated via intermediary channels, while earlier U.S. proposals, including a 15-point plan, were rejected as excessive.

He emphasized that clearly stating Iran’s legitimate demands should not be seen as compromise, but as confidence in defending its stance. Baghaei added that Iran has prepared its responses and will disclose further details in due course.

US and Iran consider a peace proposal as Trump warns of severe retaliation if the Strait remains closed.

The United States and Iran have received an outline for ending the conflict, but Tehran has refused to immediately reopen the Strait of Hormuz, even after Donald Trump warned of severe consequences if no deal is reached by Tuesday.

According to a source, the proposal follows a two-stage plan: an immediate ceasefire, followed by a broader agreement to be finalized within 15–20 days. Pakistan’s army chief, Asim Munir, has reportedly been in continuous contact with U.S. Vice President JD Vance, envoy Steve Witkoff, and Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araqchi.

Iran, however, has rejected reopening the Strait under a temporary truce and dismissed imposed deadlines, while also expressing doubts about Washington’s commitment to a lasting ceasefire.

Earlier, Axios reported that the U.S., Iran, and regional mediators were exploring a potential 45-day ceasefire as part of a phased deal toward ending the war.

Trump, posting on Truth Social, issued a deadline of Tuesday evening, threatening further strikes on Iran’s infrastructure if the Strait remains closed.

Meanwhile, airstrikes continued across the region, more than five weeks into the conflict involving the U.S., Israel, and Iran. Tehran has responded by effectively shutting the Strait—through which about 20% of global oil and gas flows—and launching attacks on Israel, U.S. bases, and energy sites in the Gulf.

Officials in the UAE emphasized that any agreement must ensure free passage through the Strait, warning that failing to curb Iran’s nuclear and missile capabilities could lead to greater regional instability.

Despite repeated U.S. claims of weakening Iran’s military capacity, recent Iranian strikes on petrochemical facilities and vessels in Kuwait, Bahrain, and the UAE highlight its continued ability to retaliate.

The conflict has caused heavy casualties: thousands have died in Iran, including many civilians, while Israel and Lebanon have also suffered significant losses as fighting spreads, including clashes with Iran-backed Hezbollah forces.

Sources: Reuters