US Warns Iran of ‘Hell’ as Ceasefire Proposal Faces Rejection
Jakarta – The United States has warned Iran to accept a deal to conclude the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, with the White House stating President Donald Trump is prepared to “unleash hell.”
“If Iran fails to accept the current reality, if they fail to understand that they have been militarily defeated and will continue to be, President Trump will ensure they are hit harder than ever before,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated, according to the Associated Press, on Thursday, .
She indicated Trump is prepared to authorize further strikes and urged Iran to consider the existing proposal. “President Trump is not bluffing, and he is ready to unleash hell. Iran should not miscalculate again,” Leavitt added.
The US has offered a ceasefire amidst the escalating conflict, with details of the proposal first reported by the New York Times. The newspaper cited two Washington officials familiar with the outline of the US plan. Islamabad has reportedly offered to host renewed negotiations between Washington and Tehran.
The 15-point ceasefire plan’s specifics have not been publicly disclosed. However, reports from Israeli television channel 12, citing three sources, suggest the US is seeking a month-long cessation of hostilities to discuss the 15-point plan. The reported plan includes the dismantling of Iran’s nuclear program, cessation of support for proxy groups, and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
Tehran has already responded dismissively to the US ceasefire offer. Lieutenant Colonel Ebrahim Zolfaghari, spokesperson for the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters within the Iranian military, stated that the US “can only negotiate with itself,” according to the Associated Press on Wednesday, .
Zolfaghari’s remarks came in a video statement broadcast by Iranian state television. “The strategic power you used to talk about has turned into strategic failure,” he said, addressing the US directly. “A country that claims to be a global superpower should have exited this chaos if it was capable. Do not disguise your defeat as a deal. The era of your empty promises is over.”
The exchange of statements comes as the conflict, which began with a joint US-Israeli strike against Iran on , enters its third week. That initial strike, which reportedly killed several high-ranking Iranian officials including the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, prompted retaliatory missile and drone attacks from Iran targeting Israel and US bases across the Middle East.
As of , the conflict has claimed over 1,400 lives in Iran, 15 in Israel, and 13 American service members. A further 19 people have died in Arab Gulf states, and approximately 850 in Lebanon.
The situation remains highly volatile, with Iran’s recent attacks extending to targets in several countries across the region. According to reports from , targets have included Al-Dhafra Air Base in the United Arab Emirates, Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the US Fifth Fleet headquarters in Manama, Bahrain, Al-Salem Air Base in Kuwait, Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia, and Al-Harir Air Base in Erbil, Iraq. The US embassy complex in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, was also reportedly targeted.
President Trump, however, expressed surprise at Iran’s willingness to strike at regional allies, stating they were “hit unnecessarily” and that this was “the biggest surprise” he’s experienced throughout the crisis, as reported by NBC News on . He described the US allies in the Middle East as “incredibly great.”
Meanwhile, tensions continue to rise, with reports indicating Iran has threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global oil supplies. This threat prompted an ultimatum from President Trump on , demanding Iran reopen the strait within 48 hours, warning of the “destruction” of Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure if the demand was not met.
The situation is being closely monitored by international markets, with Trump’s initial claims of “productive” talks with Iran on – a claim disputed by Iranian officials – eliciting a positive response.