WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump said Saturday that he rejected an Iranian proposal that could have reopened the Strait of Hormuz and paused regional fighting within seven days, prolonging uncertainty over one of the world’s most important shipping routes.
Iran raised the initiative during the United Nations General Assembly and transmitted it through Qatari mediators. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran was prepared to begin a seven-day countdown toward reopening the strait if Washington agreed to the framework, with broader negotiations potentially following.
“I reject their proposal,” Trump told reporters at the White House, arguing that Iran wanted the strait reopened because its economy was suffering. The United States has imposed a blockade on Iranian ports in an effort to pressure Tehran to reopen Hormuz.
The conflict has sharply reduced shipping through the strait and disrupted global oil flows. Iran has said any broader settlement would require reduced U.S. military pressure and relief from the blockade, while maintaining that it will not surrender its uranium-enrichment rights.
The Wall Street Journal, cited by Reuters, reported that Trump has privately told aides he considers renewed U.S. bombing after the November midterms likely, though officials cautioned that his position could change.
Iranian officials continue to say negotiations remain possible despite the rejection.
Sources
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