Iran Rejects U.S. Ceasefire Proposal Amid Ongoing Middle East Conflict

Iran has rejected a 15-point ceasefire proposal from the United States, delivered through Pakistani intermediaries, and has outlined five conditions for ending the ongoing conflict.

The Israeli military reported that its air defenses responded to missiles launched from Iran early Thursday, with sirens sounding across central Israel, parts of Jerusalem, and the occupied West Bank. A military statement confirmed that defensive systems were active to intercept the threats.

In the United Arab Emirates, air defenses engaged incoming missile and drone threats from Iran, according to the UAE's defense ministry. The ministry stated that air defenses were currently responding to these threats.

Taiwanese authorities have refuted online disinformation claiming that the island's gas supplies are nearing depletion due to disruptions from the Middle East conflict. Officials assured that there are sufficient liquefied natural gas reserves for March and April.

U.S. President Donald Trump asserted that Iran is eager to negotiate an end to the nearly four-week-long conflict, contradicting Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who stated that while messages have been exchanged through intermediaries, there have been no direct negotiations. Araghchi emphasized that exchanging messages through friendly countries does not constitute negotiation or dialogue.

Asian stock markets showed mixed reactions amid the escalating Middle East conflict. Japan's Nikkei index rose by 0.6%, while South Korean stocks declined by 1.2%. The broader MSCI Asia-Pacific index edged 0.23% lower, and the U.S. dollar remained firm near recent highs, reflecting investor caution.

Australia has imposed a six-month ban on visitors from Iran, citing concerns that the ongoing Middle East conflict increases the risk of visa holders overstaying. The Home Affairs department announced that people traveling on Iranian passports will be barred from entering Australia for tourism or work during this period, with certain exceptions considered on a case-by-case basis.

Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem stated that negotiating with Israel under fire would amount to surrender. This statement comes as the Iran-backed group launched attacks, and Israel announced the expansion of a buffer zone inside Lebanon. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that the military has created a genuine security zone and is now expanding it to prevent ground invasions and missile attacks.