WASHINGTON/TEHRAN — The Trump administration issued a formal ultimatum to Iran on Wednesday, demanding that direct or proximity nuclear negotiations commence within 48 hours following Tehran's outright rejection of a 45-day ceasefire framework. Senior White House officials confirmed that President Trump, who had set an earlier diplomatic deadline, is now preparing a graduated response that could include expanded sanctions targeting Iran's remaining oil export networks and additional military asset deployments to the Persian Gulf region.

Iran's Foreign Ministry reiterated Wednesday that any temporary ceasefire arrangement is unacceptable, with spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei stating that Tehran will only engage on the basis of a permanent and verifiable agreement that guarantees Iran's right to civilian nuclear enrichment. The position directly contradicts the framework Washington has been circulating through Omani intermediaries over the past three weeks.

European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas convened an emergency call with counterparts from France, Germany, and the United Kingdom — the so-called E3 — to coordinate a unified response. Diplomatic sources in Brussels indicated the E3 is preparing a parallel offer of economic incentives designed to give Tehran a face-saving path back to the negotiating table, though officials cautioned that any such package would need US endorsement to carry weight.

Analysts at the International Crisis Group noted that Iran's insistence on a permanent arrangement rather than a temporary pause reflects domestic political pressures on Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who faces hardline factions opposed to any concessions ahead of internal consolidation moves. 'Tehran is not saying no to talks forever — they are saying no to this specific structure,' said one senior analyst familiar with the negotiations. 'The window is narrow but it has not closed.'

Markets responded cautiously, with Brent crude rising 2.3 percent to $94.10 per barrel on renewed fears of supply disruption. The US Fifth Fleet confirmed it has repositioned two carrier strike groups in the Arabian Sea, a move described by Pentagon spokesman Brigadier General Patrick Ryder as 'routine posture adjustment' consistent with longstanding regional commitments. A formal White House statement is expected later Wednesday.