Iran Rejects U.S. Peace Plan, Proposes Sovereignty Over Strait of Hormuz Amid Rising Global Tensions

Iran has rejected a 15-point peace plan proposed by the United States, presenting a five-point counteroffer that demands sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz, according to Iranian state television.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that negotiations have not reached an impasse, emphasizing that talks are ongoing. She noted that President Donald Trump is "prepared to unleash hell" if Iran "fails to accept the reality of the current moment."

In response to the escalating situation, the U.S. is deploying thousands more troops to the Middle East. House Speaker Mike Johnson remarked that this move signals to Iran to "get their act together," while also indicating that Operation Epic Fury is "wrapping up."

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed concern over the conflict's escalation, stating that the Middle East has "gone too far" and warning that "the world is staring down the barrel of a wider war."

The conflict has significantly impacted global oil markets. Brent crude has risen by approximately 40% since the war began, trading around $102 per barrel. In the United States, gas prices have surged, with the average price in metro Cleveland reaching $3.86 per gallon, up from $2.84 a month earlier.

Domestically, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese plans to convene a national cabinet meeting to discuss a national fuel conservation plan. Opposition industry spokesman Andrew Hastie has called for a reduction in fuel excise, while Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles supports Australia's early backing of U.S. intervention in Iran. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, however, advocates for a "diplomatic solution, as soon as possible."

The Transport Workers Union has welcomed a new bill amending the Fair Work Act to grant emergency powers addressing surging fuel prices. The bill, which passed the House and is set for Senate review, would allow the Fair Work Commission to mandate that clients of transport companies ensure timely payments to cover steep fuel cost increases.

In the Middle East, activists reported heavy strikes around Isfahan, a city approximately 330 kilometers south of Tehran. Isfahan houses a major Iranian air base and other military sites. Israel's military confirmed a "wide-scale wave of strikes" across Iran, including in Isfahan.

Iran's parliament is drafting a bill to charge fees for providing security to ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz. The plan aims to formalize Iran's control and oversight of the strait, creating a new revenue source for the country.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, during a Christian worship service at the Pentagon, prayed for "every round to find its mark" against enemies, reflecting the administration's stance amid the ongoing conflict.