Iran and Israel traded ​attacks on Tuesday as Tehran refused to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and accept a ceasefire deal on the eve of a deadline set by United States (US) President Donald Trump ‌to agree to his demands or get “taken out.”

But in what could be a sign of progress, the Iranian ambassador to Pakistan said “positive and productive endeavours” by Islamabad to mediate an end to the war were “approaching a critical, sensitive stage.”

Iran has rejected a US proposal brokered by Pakistan for an immediate ceasefire and the lifting of its effective blockade of the strait, followed by talks on a broader peace settlement within 15 to 20 days, according to a source aware of the ​plan.

The Iranian response consisted of 10 clauses, including an end to conflicts in the region, a protocol for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, lifting of sanctions, and reconstruction, official ​IRNA news agency reported.

On Monday, Trump said “the entire country can be taken out in one night, and that night might be tomorrow night.” He vowed to ⁠destroy Iranian power plants and infrastructure if Tehran refused to agree before the deadline.

Early on Tuesday, the Israeli military said it had completed a wave of airstrikes targeting Iranian government infrastructure in Tehran and ​other areas.

It was operating air defence systems to intercept missiles launched from Iran.

Israel also issued an advisory urging Iranians to avoid trains and stay away from railways until Tuesday evening. “Your presence on trains and near railway lines endangers your life,” the military posted on its Persian-language account on X.

–Reuters–