ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq – Iran has rejected a US ceasefire proposal after two weeks of reflection by top state officials, while emphasizing the need for a “permanent” end to the war with respect to a series of Tehran’s demands, state media reported on Monday.

“After two weeks of comprehensive reviews at the highest levels of the [Iranian leadership],” Tehran rejected a ceasefire proposed by the US in a ten-paragraph response delivered to Pakistani mediators, according to the state-funded IRNA’s foreign policy reporter.

“While rejecting a ceasefire, [the response] emphasized the need for a permanent end to the war while respecting Iran's considerations,” the journalist reported, listing a set of Tehran’s demands.

The demands include “an end to conflicts in the region, a protocol for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, reconstruction, and lifting sanctions.”

Iranian authorities have previously cited lack of trust in dialogue with US mediators, citing previous military strikes that were launched amid negotiation efforts in the recent war as well as the 12-Day-War in June.

Iran’s rejection comes amid escalating tensions with the war in the Middle East expanding from military targets to key energy and national infrastructure.

On Sunday, US President Donald Trump warned to target Iran’s power plants and bridges if maritime traffic at the vital Strait of Hormuz remains restricted, which has led to a spiking rise in fuel prices globally.

“Tuesday will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one, in Iran. There will be nothing like it!!! Open the [F******] Strait, you crazy bastards, or you'll be living in Hell,” he said.

The warning followed a Saturday statement in which Trump said Iran had two days to “MAKE A DEAL or OPEN UP THE HORMUZ,” with the more recent warning insinuating the extension of the deadline for potential strikes to Tuesday.

“Trump distanced himself from his previous threats by extending the repeated deadline,” the IRNA reporter noted.

The developments come against the backdrop of a potential 45-day ceasefire currently discussed by Iranian, US, and Israeli mediators that could pave way for a permanent end to the war, according to an Axios report, citing several sources.