An Iranian military spokesperson has warned his forces are “searching for American troops” in the Middle East. The warning comes as Tehran dismissed an American plan to pause the war in the Middle East and launched more attacks on Israel and Gulf Arab countries, including an assault that sparked a huge fire at Kuwait International Airport.

Iranian state television’s English-language broadcaster, Press TV, quoted an anonymous official as saying Iran rejected America’s ceasefire proposal. Press TV’s report came after Pakistan transmitted the proposal to Iran. “Iran will end the war when it decides to do so and when its own conditions are met,” Press TV quoted the official as saying. The official added that Tehran will continue its “heavy blows” across the Middle East.

The vow was followed by a warning to Washington, calling on the United States to remove its presence from countries across the Middle East, as a spokesperson vowed to continue striking US infrastructure in the area.

A Khomeini Base spokesman said: “We are searching for the fleeing American commanders and soldiers. Given that all US bases in the region have been destroyed, American commanders and soldiers have fled and taken refuge in hideouts outside the bases, and we are searching for them.

“We call on the people of the region’s countries to report their whereabouts and, for their own security, to demand the expulsion of Americans from the region.

Iran’s attacks on regional energy infrastructure and its restrictions on the strait have sent oil prices skyrocketing and rocked world markets over fears of a global energy crisis, in turn putting pressure on the US to find a way to end the chokehold and calm markets.

At least 1,000 troops from the 82nd Airborne Division will be sent to the Middle East in the coming days, three people with knowledge of the plans told The Associated Press.

The paratroopers are trained to jump into hostile or contested areas to secure key territory and airfields.

The Pentagon is also in the process of sending about 5,000 more Marines, trained in amphibious assaults, and thousands of sailors to the region.

The 15-point plan now in Iranian hands is “a comprehensive deal” to reach a ceasefire, according to the Egyptian official.

Mediators are pushing for possible in-person talks between the Iranians and the Americans, perhaps as soon as Friday in Pakistan, the Egyptian and Pakistani officials said.