The United States and Iran appear no closer to a breakthrough, as Washington pushes back on key elements of Tehran’s proposed roadmap to end the conflict, even as a fragile ceasefire remains under pressure across West Asia. Iran’s government spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said the United States has responded to Tehran’s 14-point plan aimed at ending the war, adding that the response is currently under review. US President Donald Trump, speaking to Israeli media, said he had examined the proposal and described it as “not acceptable.” He said Iran has “not yet paid a big enough price,” signaling Washington’s tougher stance as talks remain indirect and mediated.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry says it has received the US response to its 14-point proposal and is currently reviewing it. Officials in Tehran maintain the plan is focused on ending hostilities and does not address nuclear issues, a gap that continues to divide both sides. There are no active nuclear negotiations at this stage.US President Donald Trump has expressed skepticism about the proposal, indicating it does not meet core American demands, particularly on nuclear restrictions.
Fighting between Israel and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon has intensified despite the ceasefire, with repeated violations reported from both sides. Israeli forces have stepped up airstrikes, hitting dozens of Hezbollah-linked positions in recent days, and have issued evacuation warnings to civilians in parts of the south as operations widen.
Hezbollah, meanwhile, continues to launch rockets and drones towards Israeli troops, including the reported use of fibre-optic guided drones that are harder to detect, keeping tensions high along the border. Military readiness on both sides remains elevated, with Israel maintaining contingency plans amid fears of further escalation. Diplomatic efforts are continuing through intermediaries, but deep mistrust between Washington and Tehran is still slowing any meaningful progress.
