Iran rejected a US ceasefire proposal carried to Tehran by Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, the New York Times reported on Thursday, citing Iranian and Iraqi officials.
The unsuccessful mediation effort came as US President Donald Trump threatened to escalate the war and target Iran’s critical infrastructure, according to the report.
Al-Zaidi was in Tehran on Thursday after visiting the White House earlier this month, where he met Trump. The officials cited by the newspaper, who spoke on condition of anonymity, did not disclose the details of the proposal.
Iranian officials reportedly said it was the “only offer on the table” but that Tehran was not interested in a temporary agreement that left the question of control over the Strait of Hormuz unresolved.
The US launched a fresh wave of strikes on Iranian military targets early Friday, marking the thirteenth night of active combat in the region as President Donald Trump vowed to use frozen Iranian assets to pay for any damage to shipping.
This comes as Tehran says it has launched its newest phase of drone attacks on US bases in the Gulf, according to Iranian state news agency Fars.
Isa Air Base in southern Bahrain and Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in central-eastern Jordan were targeted by the Iranian military.
The army said it targeted fuel tanks, large equipment warehouses and sheds as well as accommodation for soldiers in Bahrain as part of the 24th phase of strikes.
Aircraft hangars and accommodation were also targeted in Jordan.
It comes as Bahrain’s Ministry of Interior sent out two posts on X, first saying an alarm was activated and “citizens and residents are requested to remain calm” and head to the nearest safe location.
A minute later, the ministry said a siren had been sounded, again urging residents to remain calm.
Iran’s military also said it has hit US bases in Kuwait, according to the state news agency Tasnim.
The army’s public relations team said the 25th stage of Operation Lightning was conducted “in response to the aggression” of the US.
It targeted equipment warehouses at Camp al-Adiri, Camp Doha and Camp Arifjan with “destructive drones a few hours ago”.
“The threats of the narcissistic American president will strengthen the determination of the people and the armed forces in confronting the aggressors,” the army said.
It comes a day after Iran claimed to have attacked US military assets at Camp Doha yesterday.
Written with reports from Sky News, agencies
