Netanyahu to Hold Tight Security Meeting as Iran Says Mediators Proposed a 10-Day Ceasefire

Amid growing fears that the conflict with Iran could expand, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to hold a limited security meeting this evening (Monday).

At the same time, a senior Iranian official addressed mediation efforts and told the Reuters news agency that the mediating countries proposed halting the strikes for ten days, in an effort to explore ways to renew the interim agreement between Iran and the United States.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said at a press conference in Tehran that Iran had received proposals from mediating countries aimed at reducing tensions. According to him, "We have received proposals from the mediating countries to reduce tensions, and they are under review." He added that "the memorandum of understanding is clear, and there is no justification for its violation by the American side."

Baghaei went on to make clear that the possibility of holding contacts with Washington still exists, saying that "talks with the U.S. could be held in accordance with the national interest."

Baghaei also addressed the dispute surrounding the Strait of Hormuz and emphasized that "Iran's sovereign right over the Strait of Hormuz is not subject to negotiation." He also said that "Article 5 of the memorandum of understanding clarifies Iran's responsibility to manage the Strait of Hormuz in consultation with the Sultanate of Oman."

Alongside the diplomatic messaging, the military conflict is continuing. In Iran, reports this morning said there had been American strikes in Bushehr. About an hour earlier, sirens were heard in Bahrain and Kuwait.

Despite statements by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio about Washington's willingness to promote a diplomatic solution, an American official familiar with the administration's internal discussions told The Washington Post that "the U.S. is preparing for a broader war." According to the official, the Pentagon is continuing to reinforce forces in the region, including by increasing the number of military aircraft, as reflected in the arrival of refueling planes and fighter jets in Israel.