US president Donald Trump takes questions as he speaks about the conflict in Iran at the White House, in Washington, on Monday. (Photo by Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty ImagesThe Middle East is again on the brink after Iran on Monday rejected a ceasefire plan aimed at preventing a dangerous escalation threatened by US president Donald Trump to force Tehran to open the Strait of Hormuz. The ceasefire plan rejected by Tehran was drawn up by Pakistan, Egypt and Turkish mediators. A senior Iranian official said Tehran would not reopen the strait as ⁠part of a temporary ceasefire and would not accept deadlines. European Council president António Costa warned against strikes on civilian targets, stressing that “only a diplomatic solution” would end the war with Iran.

Source: The Irish Times April 06, 2026 21:01 UTC