Iran defiant under airstrikes as Trump ceasefire deadline looms

Iran and Israel traded fresh attacks on Tuesday, April 7, as Tehran refused to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or accept a ceasefire deal ahead of a deadline set by U.S. President Donald Trump, who warned of severe consequences if his demands were not met. However, there were signs of possible diplomatic movement. Irans ambassador to Pakistan said efforts by Islamabad to mediate an end to the conflict were approaching a critical, sensitive stage.Iran has rejected a U.S. proposal brokered by Pakistan that called for an immediate ceasefire, the lifting of its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, and broader peace talks within 15 to 20 days. According to a source familiar with the plan, Tehran instead responded with a 10-point proposal that includes ending regional conflicts, ensuring safe passage through the strait, lifting sanctions, and rebuilding affected areas.Trump issued stark warnings, stating that Iran could be taken out in one night if it failed to comply. He threatened widespread destruction of infrastructure, including power plants and bridges, if no agreement is reached by the deadline.Fighting continued across the region. The Israeli military said it carried out airstrikes targeting Iranian government infrastructure in Tehran and other locations, while also intercepting missiles launched from Iran. Israel warned civilians in Iran to avoid railways, citing safety concerns. Saudi Arabia reported intercepting ballistic missiles aimed at its eastern region, with debris falling near energy facilities. The kingdom has faced repeated attacks involving missiles and drones since the conflict began, most of which officials say were intercepted. Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates issued public safety alerts, and a key bridge linking Saudi Arabia and Bahrain was briefly closed as a precaution. Despite concerns over civilian infrastructure being targeted, Trump dismissed questions about potential war crimes, saying he was not at all worried about such implications. Irans envoy to the United Nations condemned the threats, calling them direct incitement to terrorism and evidence of intent to commit war crimes. Irans military leadership also criticized Trumps statements, describing them as unrealistic. Amid the tension, Irans deputy sports minister urged citizens, including artists and athletes, to form human chains around power plants in protest against potential attacks on public infrastructure. The Strait of Hormuz remains a major flashpoint. Iran has effectively shut down the critical waterway, which carries about one-fifth of the worlds oil and gas supply. The closure has pushed oil prices higher, with Brent crude rising above $111 per barrel and U.S. crude exceeding $113.The ongoing conflict has taken a heavy toll. Thousands have been killed across the Middle East, including over 3,500 in Iran, according to a U.S.-based rights group, and nearly 1,500 in Lebanon, where Israeli strikes have targeted Hezbollah. The post Iran defiant under airstrikes as Trump ceasefire deadline looms appeared first on Linda Ikeji Blog.