This dual line of maximum threats and simultaneous negotiation showcases Washington's strategy: combining military pressure, political intimidation, and open channels to force a favorable outcome. On the Iranian side, the reaction was openly harsh. Reuters reported that Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Iran is reviewing the U.S. proposal, but clarified that exchanging messages through mediators “does not mean negotiations with the United States.” In the last 48 hours, Reuters warned that Iran's position has hardened markedly since the war began and that the influence of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps is growing over any potential negotiation. Washington/Tehran, March 25, 2026 - Total News Agency - TNA - The White House raised its tone against Iran to the maximum on Wednesday and made it clear that President Donald Trump is willing to deepen the military offensive if Tehran does not accept the ceasefire plan promoted by Washington. In fact, the mere dissemination of the American plan caused a drop in oil prices and a slight improvement in the stock market, a sign that investors perceive there is still a small window to defuse the war. But that possibility coexists with a much harsher reality: Washington threatens a greater punishment, Iran hardens its conditions, and peace continues to depend on indirect interlocutors in a region where any miscalculation can reignite everything. According to this account, Tehran demands the cessation of attacks and killings of its high-ranking officials, guarantees that there will be no new war, reparations for damages suffered, the end of hostilities on all fronts, and recognition of the exercise of its sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz. Behind this power struggle looms a deeper problem: it is not only difficult to bridge positions, but also to define precisely who has the last word in Tehran today. This statement was complemented by the position aired by the state-run Press TV, which presented the initial Iranian response as negative and accompanied by its own counter-proposal. For Tehran, accepting such a package would mean relinquishing some of its main tools of power and deterrence. Mediation has also become more complex. Pakistan, Turkey, and Egypt appear among the countries relaying messages between the parties or trying to bridge positions, but without yet achieving a direct table. The warning was issued by presidential press secretary Karoline Leavitt, who stated that if the Islamic republic does not accept “the reality of the current moment” and does not understand that, according to the U.S. view, it has been militarily defeated, it will receive even harder blows. The most resonant phrase of the day was the one summarizing the new message of pressure: Trump “is prepared to unleash hell.” The hardening of rhetoric came at a time when diplomacy remains open, although wrapped in contradictions and crossed signals. Leavitt insisted that talks with Iran continue and remain “productive,” even though the public narrative from the Iranian side is going in another direction. In this context, Iran's demands clash head-on with Trump's goals, which, according to various leaks, include relief from sanctions in exchange for rollbacks in the nuclear program, limits on missile development, restrictions on support for regional allies, and guarantees for the full reopening of Hormuz. The spokeswoman also admitted that there are “elements of truth” in reports of a 15-point plan pushed by the Republican administration, but avoided validating all the details circulating in international media. From Ankara, a leader in Recep Tayyip Erdogan's ruling party acknowledged that Turkey is playing a mediating role between Iran and the United States, as the conflict continues to shake the energy market and regional security.
