Iran Rejects Temporary Ceasefire, Calls for 'Genuine' Negotiations

UN envoy says Tehran open to talks but won't accept short-term truce in Strait of Hormuz conflict

Apr. 7, 2026 at 8:21pm

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A highly stylized, fractured painting in shades of blue, green, and gray depicting the Strait of Hormuz, the strategic waterway at the center of the ongoing geopolitical conflict.As Iran maintains its blockade of a vital global shipping chokepoint, the economic fallout continues to ripple across the world.NYC Today

Iran's envoy to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, stated that Tehran is willing to engage in 'genuine' negotiations to end the conflict in the Middle East, but will not accept a temporary ceasefire. This comes as the country defies intense pressure from President Trump to make a deal on the Strait of Hormuz or face escalation.

Why it matters

The Strait of Hormuz has emerged as a major flashpoint in the conflict, with Iran's blockade causing supply chain disruptions and a surge in oil and gas prices globally. The standoff could escalate further, as Trump has threatened to strike Iranian bridges and power plants if the regime does not meet his deadline.

The details

Iravani told the UN Security Council that Iran stands ready to engage in diplomatic efforts through Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, China, and Russia, but will not accept a temporary ceasefire. He said any viable solution must ensure a 'definitive and irreversible end to the aggression and establish a just and durable peace.' The Iranian government has dismissed a proposed 45-day ceasefire as 'unrealistic' and vowed to continue its retaliatory campaign.

  • On Tuesday, Iravani addressed the UN Security Council.
  • In late February, the initial US-Israeli strikes launched the conflict over the Strait of Hormuz.
  • On Tuesday morning, Trump threatened to escalate the war by striking bridges and power plants if Iran does not meet his 8 p.m. EDT deadline.

The players

Amir Saeid Iravani

Iran's envoy to the United Nations who stated Tehran's position on negotiations and a ceasefire.

President Trump

The US president who has threatened to escalate the conflict with Iran if they do not meet his demands regarding the Strait of Hormuz.

Masoud Pezeshkian

The Iranian president who wrote on social media that more than 14 Iranians have registered to sacrifice their lives to defend Iran.

Shehbaz Sharif

The Pakistani Prime Minister who called for Trump to allow diplomacy to continue and for a two-week ceasefire.

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What they’re saying

“'Iran stands ready to engage constructively with all genuine diplomatic efforts, including [through] Pakistan, Turkey and Egypt, as well as diplomatic efforts by China and Russia, and support any credible initiative capable to — of bringing about the sustainable end to this unlawful and unwarranted war.'”

— Amir Saeid Iravani, Iran's UN envoy

“'More than 14 people proud Iranians have so far registered to sacrifice their lives to defend Iran. I too have been, am, and will remain devoted to giving my life for Iran.'”

— Masoud Pezeshkian, Iranian President

“'We also urge all warring parties to observe a ceasefire everywhere for two weeks to allow diplomacy to achieve conclusive termination of war, in the interest of long-term peace and stability in the region.'”

— Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistani Prime Minister

What’s next

The standoff could reach a new level on Tuesday night, as Trump has threatened to escalate the war by striking bridges and power plants if the regime does not meet his 8 p.m. EDT deadline.

The takeaway

This conflict over the Strait of Hormuz highlights the complex geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, with Iran rejecting temporary ceasefires and demanding a permanent end to hostilities, while the US and its allies push for concessions. The outcome could have major ramifications for global energy supplies and stability in the region.