Iran Signals Ceasefire as Israeli Strikes Intensify; 330,000 Flee Tehran, Oil Prices Drop

In a dramatic shift, Iran has expressed willingness to pursue a ceasefire in its ongoing war with Israel, even as Israeli air raids continue to hammer strategic targets across Tehran, including the headquarters of state broadcaster IRIB.

The latest wave of strikes has forced a mass evacuation of over 330,000 residents from the capital. Authorities have declared “red zones” around nuclear and military sites, while eyewitnesses describe scenes of widespread panic and devastation.

“We only saw smoke and shattered glass—people were screaming and running. It felt like the end,” one resident said.

Oil Markets React, Prices Fall 4%

Global markets responded swiftly to signs of de-escalation, with oil prices falling nearly 4% by Monday afternoon. Traders were reportedly encouraged by Iran’s outreach through Gulf intermediaries such as Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Oman, who are quietly working to mediate a peace deal.

“While the risk of a regional war remains, the ceasefire proposal has eased fears of long-term disruption to oil transit through the Strait of Hormuz,” analysts noted.

Iran’s Conditions and Diplomatic Overture

Iran’s proposed ceasefire includes:

Immediate cessation of hostilities

Temporary freeze on uranium enrichment

Expanded monitoring by the IAEA

Halt to missile testing

However, Tehran insists on no U.S. military involvement and has stressed that American pressure could derail any potential deal.

Despite this outreach, Iran continues to absorb heavy military losses, with Israeli jets targeting missile stockpiles, air defense systems, and now, symbolically, the national broadcaster, which knocked Iranian TV off the air for several hours.

Rising Casualties, Ongoing Escalation

Now in its fourth day, the war began after Iran allegedly launched a cyberattack on Israel’s nuclear command systems. Since then, over 150 missiles have been fired by Iran into Israeli cities, while Israel’s Iron Dome and David’s Sling systems have intercepted most.

The human toll is mounting:

224 Iranians and 24 Israelis confirmed dead

Hundreds more injured

Hospitals in both Tel Aviv and Tehran overwhelmed

Netanyahu Rejects Truce; Trump Warns of Global War

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dismissed Iran’s peace proposal, vowing that “military operations will continue until Iran’s nuclear and missile threats are neutralized.”

Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump urged caution, warning of a possible World War III if tensions continue to rise.

> Trump also reportedly rejected an Israeli request for U.S. support in a covert plot to assassinate Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, fearing it could trigger a wider regional catastrophe.

UN, EU Welcome Ceasefire Signals

As diplomacy intensifies, Oman has drafted a proposed peace framework, which includes:

Phased withdrawal of military forces

Mutual de-escalation pledges

UN-led multinational monitoring

The United Nations and European Union have welcomed Iran’s diplomatic posture, with UN Secretary-General António Guterres urging an “immediate and unconditional ceasefire to halt further civilian suffering.”

Outlook Remains Uncertain

Despite glimmers of hope, both sides continue military operations. Israeli jets remain active over Iranian skies, and Tehran has not ordered a full halt to missile strikes. Observers warn that the next 48 hours may prove decisive in determining whether diplomacy succeeds or conflict escalates further across the region.

Vanguard

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