Iran rejects further temporary ceasefire; assesses possible strikes on US assets in Europe

Iran rejects new temporary ceasefire, insists on permanent end as reports say Tehran weighed strikes on US assets in Europe
Lead: Iran has refused to accept any further temporary ceasefire with the United States, demanding a permanent and non-recurrent end to the six-month conflict, while reports claim Tehran considered targeting US assets in Europe. NATO has pledged readiness to protect allies, and oil prices rose on the news.
Iran’s stance: Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi (Iraqchi) told semi-official Fars agency Tehran will not accept another ceasefire and wants the war ended permanently so it cannot recur.
Possible European targets: The Financial Times, citing two anonymous internal sources, reported Iran examined strikes on US assets in Europe, including Bulgaria’s Bezmer air base, installations in Cyprus, and undersea fiber-optic cables in the Strait of Hormuz.
NATO response: A NATO official said the alliance is prepared to deal with any threat and will take necessary steps to defend members.
US position: President Donald Trump said there is no ongoing or scheduled dialogue with Iran and offered no timeline for a deal.
Hardline rhetoric: Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf sharply criticized US officials, accusing them of overreach and of seeking outcomes outside any realistic agreement.
Regional warning: Iran’s armed forces warned Gulf states that facilitating US military operations would amount to participation in the conflict.
Markets: Brent crude rose toward $92/bbl and WTI above $85/bbl, reflecting heightened risk premium.
Background (brief):
The conflict, now about six months old, has seen intermittent diplomacy led by third parties such as Qatar and Pakistan, which Tehran praised. After stalled efforts toward a permanent deal, Tehran has signaled a shift toward a more aggressive military posture. Reports of potential strikes on European soil have expanded the crisis’s geographic risk, prompting NATO reassurances and market volatility.