Iran rejects proposals to ease tensions

The Sultanate of Oman affirmed its condemnation of all attacks targeting the Islamic Republic of Iran, the territories of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and Arab states, calling on all parties concerned to exercise restraint, cease hostilities, adhere to the principles of international law, and avoid targeting civilians, vital facilities and infrastructure.
In a statement delivered by Ambassador Idris bin Abdul Rahman al Khanjari, Permanent Representative of the Sultanate of Oman to the United Nations and International Organisations in Geneva, before the 61st session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva, during the joint interactive dialogue on the reports of the Special Rapporteur and the Fact-Finding Mission on Iran, the Sultanate of Oman called for the importance of intensifying regional and international efforts aimed at stopping the war, returning to the negotiating table, and adopting diplomatic solutions, as the most effective way to address the root causes of crises and promote security and stability.
The Sultanate of Oman believes that intensifying regional and international efforts to stop the war will contribute to creating the appropriate conditions aimed at promoting and protecting human rights at all levels, whether in Iran or in other countries in the region and the world.
Al Khanjari said that the region is witnessing alarming developments as a result of escalating military operations and exchanges of attacks, which threatens serious repercussions affecting the sovereignty, security, and stability of nations and their people. This also negatively impacts human rights and the protection of civilians.
Meanwhile, Israel claimed ​on Tuesday to have killed Iran's security chief, while a senior Iranian official said the new supreme leader had rejected de-escalation offers conveyed by intermediaries, demanding Israel and the US first be 'brought to their knees'.
The senior official, who asked not to be identified, said two intermediary countries had conveyed proposals to Iran's Foreign Ministry for 'reducing tensions or ceasefire with the United States'. The official did not give further details.
Oil prices rose about 2 per cent on Tuesday as Iran renewed its strikes on oil facilities in the United Arab Emirates, and are up around 45 per cent since the start of the war, raising concerns of a renewed spike in global inflation.
The official price of Oman crude for May delivery continued to set records and settled on Tuesday at $152.58 per barrel. This represents a rise of $4.79 compared to Monday's closing price of $147.79.
Meanwhile, Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz said Israeli forces had killed Iran's security chief Ali Larijani, as well ​as Gholamreza Soleimani who led the volunteer Basij militia, which plays a major role in domestic security.
There was no immediate response from Tehran to Israeli claims on Larijani's death. Iranian state media published a handwritten note by Larijani commemorating Iranian sailors killed in a US attack whose funeral was ​expected on Tuesday.
Since Khamenei's death, Larijani has become one of the most powerful figures in the Islamic Republic. He held a series of senior positions and was close to the slain leader.
AIR RAID SIRENS
There was no let-up in attacks by both sides on Tuesday.
In Israel, where Iranian missile attacks have killed 12 people, air raid sirens sounded throughout the day in the commercial hub Tel Aviv and surrounding cities as loud blasts of interceptions were heard as far away as Jerusalem.
The barrage underscores Tehran's capacity to carry out long-range strikes despite more than two weeks of pounding by US and Israeli weapons.
Iran's ​army said in a statement it had targeted cybertechnology centres in Israel with drones, as well as weapons manufacturing centres of Israeli arms manufacturer Rafael.
Rafael did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Iran has responded with a wide range of attacks on its Gulf neighbours.
Gulf Arab states, including the UAE, have faced more than 2,000 missile and ​drone attacks on US diplomatic missions and military bases as well as oil infrastructure, ports, airports, ships and residential and commercial buildings.
Oil loading at the UAE port of Fujairah ​was at least partly halted on Tuesday after a third attack in four days caused a fire at the export terminal. Fujairah lies on the far side of the Strait of Hormuz from the Gulf, making it one of the few ports from which the region's oil can be shipped without passing through the blockaded waterway. SEE ALSO P6 & 7