Iran Responds to US Ceasefire Proposal Amid Drone Attacks on Gulf Nations

Iran has submitted its response to the latest U.S. ceasefire proposal through Pakistani mediators, emphasizing a permanent end to the war across all fronts, including Lebanon, and ensuring maritime security. While Washington seeks to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and roll back Iran’s nuclear program, Tehran prefers to defer nuclear discussions. Tensions remain high as the fragile ceasefire was tested by drone incidents in the Gulf. A drone struck a commercial ship off Qatar, causing a minor fire, while the UAE and Kuwait reported unauthorized drones entering their airspace. The UAE explicitly blamed Iran for the attacks, though no immediate claim of responsibility was made. Concurrently, President Donald Trump warned of resumed full-scale bombing if Iran fails to agree to reopen strategic waterways and address its nuclear ambitions. Iran’s military stated it is on full readiness to protect nuclear sites containing highly enriched uranium. Pakistan continues its mediation efforts, with top officials engaging regional counterparts to de-escalate the conflict that has disrupted global oil flows and rattled international markets since late February.