Iran has expressed openness to a ceasefire amid its intensifying conflict with Israel, even as Israeli airstrikes continue to target strategic locations in Tehran, including the headquarters of state-run media.
On Monday, the Iranian capital was rocked by a series of devastating explosions. Witnesses described scenes of panic and destruction.
“There was a deafening blast—glass shattered, people were screaming and fleeing. We thought it was over,” recounted a resident from central Tehran.
The bombardment, part of Israel’s ongoing military campaign dubbed Operation Rising Lion, has led to the evacuation of over 330,000 people from the city.
Iranian authorities have since designated several areas as “red zones,” particularly those surrounding nuclear facilities and military installations, as airstrikes intensify.
Despite the intensifying bombardment, Iran has initiated back-channel diplomatic efforts through Gulf states including Qatar, Oman, and Saudi Arabia, in hopes of brokering a truce.
Media reports suggest Tehran is proposing a multi-step peace deal that includes an immediate ceasefire, resumption of nuclear talks, and temporary halts to uranium enrichment and missile testing—on the condition that the United States stays out of the conflict.
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Still, Israeli airstrikes continue unabated. On Monday, fighter jets targeted suspected missile depots and nuclear facilities, along with the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) headquarters, temporarily knocking national broadcasts off-air and delivering a symbolic blow to the regime’s communication efforts.
The strikes have crippled portions of Iran’s air defense systems, according to military analysts, weakening Tehran’s ability to mount effective resistance and likely accelerating its push for diplomatic engagement.
Meanwhile, panic has gripped the capital. Fuel stations saw long queues, roads were gridlocked with fleeing civilians, and emergency shelters have reached full capacity. Hospitals in Tehran and Tel Aviv are overwhelmed.
Markets reacted swiftly to news of potential de-escalation. Global oil prices, which had surged earlier, dropped nearly 4% after reports of Iran’s diplomatic outreach emerged, offering a measure of relief to traders concerned about disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.
Inside Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains resolute. At a press conference, he dismissed Iran’s ceasefire proposal, declaring: “This is not the time for half-measures. We will finish what we started.”
Former U.S. President Donald Trump, who still wields significant influence, urged restraint. In a separate statement, he warned: “If this continues, we risk World War III.”
Trump reportedly turned down Israeli proposals for U.S. involvement in a covert operation to assassinate Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, fearing it would spark uncontrollable escalation across the region.
The conflict, now entering its fifth day, was triggered by a suspected Iranian cyberattack on Israel’s nuclear command systems.
Israel responded with a wave of airstrikes, prompting Iran to fire over 150 missiles at cities including Tel Aviv and Haifa. While Israeli air defenses intercepted most of them, several struck populated areas, resulting in casualties.
Current death tolls stand at 24 in Israel and 224 in Iran, with hundreds injured. Both nations remain under emergency conditions.
In diplomatic circles, efforts to prevent a broader war are gaining momentum. Oman is reportedly drafting a peace framework involving phased de-escalation, troop withdrawals, and the deployment of a UN-led multinational monitoring force.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres and the European Union have welcomed Iran’s overture, calling for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire to protect civilians and prevent further devastation.
Still, the situation remains volatile. Israeli warplanes continue to patrol Iranian skies, and Tehran has yet to formally suspend its missile launches.
