Iran has refused to engage in negotiations with the United States, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal, dealing a blow to ongoing mediation efforts aimed at securing a ceasefire in the region.

The report said Tehran has formally informed intermediary countries involved in backchannel diplomacy that US demands are “completely unacceptable,” effectively stalling attempts to de-escalate the conflict.

Citing mediators, the newspaper reported that Iranian officials on Friday confirmed their refusal to hold any form of meeting with US counterparts, deepening a diplomatic deadlock. Despite the impasse, sources indicated that mediators are still working on fresh proposals to revive negotiations.

The development comes days after US President Donald Trump claimed on social media that Iran had sought a ceasefire, an assertion strongly denied by Tehran. Trump had also suggested that Washington would be open to a truce if Iran reopened the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.

According to the report, Iran maintains it will only end the war if its core conditions are met.

These include compensation for war damages, the withdrawal of US forces from military bases across the Middle East, and firm guarantees against future attacks.

The conflict, which began with strikes on Iran on February 28, has now entered its fifth week.

The United States and Israel have continued targeting Iranian positions, while Tehran has responded with strikes on Israeli targets and US installations across the region.

In a significant escalation, Iran claimed to have shot down a US fighter jet within its territory following Friday’s strikes.

Iranian officials said the aircraft was an F-35 and that efforts were underway to locate its pilot.

US officials confirmed the loss of an aircraft but disputed Iran’s claim, stating that the downed jet was an F-15E, which carries two pilots.

They said one crew member had been rescued, while a search operation for the second pilot was ongoing.

Meanwhile, Iranian security forces, along with civilians, have reportedly joined efforts to locate the missing pilot.

Authorities have also announced rewards and honors for anyone who finds or captures the individual.