Iran Weighs Peace Proposal While Accusing US of Excessive Demands

Iranian media reported Saturday that Tehran is considering the latest peace proposal while accusing the United States of making excessive demands. US outlets Axios and CBS News, citing unnamed sources, said the White House is weighing fresh strikes on Iran, though they added that no final decision has been reached.

Pakistan's army chief Asim Munir arrived in Tehran on Friday and met late into the night with Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to discuss diplomatic efforts aimed at preventing further escalation, according to Iran's official IRNA news agency.

Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said the visit did not signal a turning point and that deep disagreements remain. A Qatari delegation also held talks with Araghchi on Friday.

Rubio told reporters on the sidelines of a NATO meeting in Sweden that there had been some progress but that things were not there yet. "We're dealing with a very difficult group of people. And if it doesn't change, then the president's been clear he has other options," Rubio said.

The war began with US-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28 and has included competing blockades around the Strait of Hormuz. An April 8 ceasefire has not produced a permanent resolution or restored full access to the strait. Araghchi told UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres that Tehran remains engaged in diplomacy despite repeated betrayals and military aggression.

Baqaei stressed that fighting must also end in Lebanon, where Israel and Hezbollah have continued clashes despite an April 17 truce. Lebanon's health ministry said Israeli attacks have killed at least 3,111 people since March 2, including 10 killed in strikes on Friday.

European Union nations on Friday called Iran's blockade contrary to international law and expanded sanctions targeting individuals involved in the closure. Markets showed mixed signals Friday, with Wall Street rising and the Dow closing at a record high while oil prices also increased.