Trump Rejects Iran’s Ceasefire Proposal as U.S. Officials Reveal Marines Injured in Strike
President Donald Trump has rejected a seven-day ceasefire proposal from Iran, according to The Wall Street Journal, signaling that the U.S. military’s bombing campaign may resume after the midterm elections. The decision comes amid heightened tensions, with U.S. officials stating that an Iranian strike two weeks ago injured several Marines. Trump’s rejection underscores his administration’s hardline stance, even as both sides publicly maintain that diplomacy remains an option. A U.S. official told Al Jazeera that ongoing mediated talks are “positive and constructive,” suggesting behind-the-scenes efforts continue despite the public impasse.nnQatar, a key mediator in the conflict, said its foreign minister spoke with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Friday about de-escalation and the conditions for renewed dialogue. This diplomatic push reflects regional efforts to prevent a full-scale war. However, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi remarked that a deal “would be much better if it is done before the midterm election,” hinting at political calculations on both sides. The timing of any agreement appears increasingly tied to U.S. domestic politics, with Trump reportedly expecting the bombing campaign to resume after the elections.nnAnalysts warn that if Trump’s Republican Party suffers severe setbacks in the midterms and loses its majority in Congress, he may opt for “unilateral actions, including perhaps a resumption of warfare,” according to Musgrave. Such a scenario could escalate the conflict dramatically. Meanwhile, NPR’s Steve Inskeep spoke with former assistant secretary of defense for the Middle East Dana Stroul about the latest ceasefire proposal from Iran, providing expert insight into the complex dynamics. The Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan, Reza Amiri-Moghaddam, said on X that the talks reached a “critical, sensitive stage,” further highlighting the fragile nature of the negotiations.nnOn April 21, Trump had announced that the U.S. was extending the ceasefire with Iran pending negotiations, while instructing the naval blockade to remain in place and telling the military to remain prepared to resume fighting. That fragile truce now appears increasingly tenuous. With both sides keeping the door to diplomacy open but refusing to back down, the
Shimanta Das 
