Iran has rejected a deadline set by Secretary of State Marco Rubio for a response to the latest US peace proposal, saying Tehran does not operate on anyone else’s schedule.
The rejection comes as the Trump administration waits for Iran’s formal reply to a plan aimed at extending the current ceasefire and ending the US blockade in the Strait of Hormuz.
President Donald Trump said on Friday he expected a response that night but added, “We’ll see what happens.”A spokesperson for Iran’s Foreign Ministry stated that the proposal remains under review and that Iran “pay (s) no attention to such deadlines,” according to statements reported by Iranian state media.
Trump Expects Response Soon
Trump told reporters as he left the White House on Friday evening that the US was supposed to receive a letter from Iran. He expressed confidence that Iran wants to reach a deal.
In a separate interview with French outlet TF1 Info, Trump said he “expects to hear very soon” from the Iranians and that they “still very much want to conclude a deal.” He emphasized his goal of ending the broader conflict in the Middle East.
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The US and Israel launched major strikes against Iranian targets on Feb. 28. The operation targeted military, government, and infrastructure sites. A two-week ceasefire followed, which Trump later extended on an open-ended basis while keeping the US blockade in place until negotiations conclude.
Sanctions Target Iran’s Weapons Supply
On Friday, the Treasury Department announced new sanctions on 10 individuals and companies accused of helping Iran obtain weapons and materials for its drone and ballistic missile programs. The targets operate across the Middle East, Asia, and Eastern Europe.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a statement that the measures aim to stop foreign entities from supplying Iran’s military with equipment that could be used against US forces.
Separately, an Iranian official provided the first public details about injuries to Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei during the initial US-Israeli strikes. Mazaher Hosseini told a state gathering that Khamenei suffered injuries to his kneecap, back, and the area behind his ear from a blast wave.
Also Read: U.S. Military Hits Iran Ports at Qeshm and Bandar Abbas Amid Hormuz Tensions
Hosseini said the leader has recovered from the back injury and his kneecap is expected to heal soon. He described Khamenei as in “perfect health.”Iranian attacks have continued in Kurdish areas of Iraq despite the ceasefire, according to US officials. Commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz has also faced repeated threats.
Why This Matters
The exchange over deadlines shows the difficulties in moving from a fragile ceasefire to a lasting agreement. The conflict has already affected global oil supplies and shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for energy markets.
The Trump administration continues to combine military pressure, including the blockade, with diplomatic efforts. Iran, still dealing with the effects of the strikes and changes in its leadership, insists on controlling the pace of any talks.
Whether Iran delivers a formal response in the coming days will help determine if the ceasefire holds or if the US and its partners increase pressure.
