Trump Offered Ceasefire Through Iraqi Mediation, But Iran Rejected It: NYT

▲ President Trump

U.S. President Donald Trump proposed a ceasefire to Iran through Iraqi mediation, but Iran rejected it, the U.S. daily The New York Times reported on the 23rd local time.

According to Iranian and Iraqi officials speaking on the condition of anonymity, Iran received President Trump's ceasefire proposal through visiting Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi in Tehran on that day, but turned it down.

The specific details of the ceasefire proposal put forward by the United States have not been made public.

However, Iranian officials stated that the Iranian government is not interested in an interim agreement as long as uncertainties surrounding the control of the Strait of Hormuz remain unresolved.

Neither U.S. nor Iranian authorities have officially commented on these developments.

Meanwhile, local Iranian media have focused their reports on the schedules of the high-level Iraqi delegation's visit to Tehran, including Prime Minister al-Zaidi.

These outlets reported that Prime Minister al-Zaidi led a delegation to Tehran and met with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

During the meetings, Prime Minister al-Zaidi shared his "views and impressions" following his earlier visit to Washington, D.C., Foreign Minister Araghchi told Iranian state TV.

At the same time, Araghchi drew a line, stating that there are already sufficient mediators between Iran and the United States.

"The problem is not the delivery of messages," he said, maintaining a hardline stance by adding, "The problem is the illogical, greedy, and controlling perspective of the United States."

Previously, Iraqi Prime Minister al-Zaidi visited the White House on the 14th and held talks with President Trump.

It has not been specifically confirmed whether President Trump conveyed a ceasefire proposal through Iraqi mediation at that time.

However, Reuters subsequently reported on the 20th, citing an anonymous senior Iranian official, that mediating countries had delivered a ten-day U.S. ceasefire proposal to Iran.

These developments have surfaced as President Trump has been carrying out airstrikes against Iran for the 13th day, with even the possibility of an all-out war being mentioned.

Amid this situation, reports from officials have emerged indicating that President Trump's patience with Iran has run out and that he is skeptical of a diplomatic resolution.

In particular, ahead of the midterm elections coming up in November, Trump's aides are reportedly concerned that rising inflation, declining approval ratings, and mounting U.S. military casualties are eroding Republican voter support, according to The Wall Street Journal.

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