Trump rejects Iranian proposal to reopen Strait of Hormuz

US President Donald Trump has formally rejected an Iranian proposal designed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within seven days and resume nuclear negotiations. The offer, which sought to lift the US naval blockade of Iranian ports in exchange for the restoration of shipping lanes, was dismissed by the President during a press briefing at the White House. Trump stated plainly that while Iran had put forward a specific plan, he had chosen to reject it, signalling a continued hardline approach to the ongoing regional conflict.

The rejection follows reports that the US President is privately sceptical about Iran’s willingness to dismantle its nuclear programme. According to unnamed US officials cited by the Wall Street Journal, Trump has told aides that he expects to resume bombing campaigns against Iran following the November midterm elections. This stance contrasts with the diplomatic overtures made earlier in the week at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, where Iranian officials proposed a rapid timeline for de-escalation. The Iranian plan included reopening the critical shipping lane, which would have alleviated pressure on global energy markets, and restarting talks on its nuclear activities within one week.

In return for the lifting of the naval blockade, Iran requested that the United States permit the release of some of its frozen assets, restore the waiver that lifted sanctions on Iranian oil exports, and observe a ceasefire on all fronts. This latter condition would require the US President to persuade Israel to end its attacks on Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon. Analysts noted that this was a significant demand, particularly as it would involve allowing the strait to reopen largely on Iran’s terms, with the new shipping route predominantly passing through Iranian waters. Saudi Arabia has also expressed concern that the proposed route agreement is bilateral between Iran and Oman, rather than involving the Gulf states as joint signatories.

Despite the rejection, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian maintained that Tehran had not abandoned the negotiating table. Speaking after a meeting with UN Secretary General António Guterres, Pezeshkian stated that while Iran no longer trusted the United States due to past experiences, it remained open to dialogue. He emphasised that Iran was not seeking war but would defend itself against pressure, threats, and attacks. In an interview with the CBS programme Face the Nation, Pezeshkian reiterated that Tehran was ready to discuss its nuclear programme and other issues, provided it was not subjected to bullying or coercion. He confirmed that Iran had already agreed not to develop nuclear weapons.

Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, indicated that while Tehran had seen an initial reaction from Trump to its proposal, it had yet to receive a definitive response through mediators. Araghchi stated that Iran was waiting for mediators to convey the final US position before making a decision. Earlier, a US official had described discussions with Iran through mediators as positive and constructive. Araghchi had detailed the proposed timeline to reporters outside the UN Security Council, explaining that the initial steps would take four to five days to complete, with the strait opening on the sixth day and nuclear talks commencing on the seventh. This process would include a protocol allowing UN nuclear inspectors to return to examine Iran’s damaged sites and stockpile of highly enriched uranium.

The US naval blockade is exerting intense pressure on the Iranian economy, while the seven-month-old conflict has disrupted oil flows through one of the world’s most critical shipping lanes. This disruption is contributing to rising living costs globally. The conflict, which began on 28 February with US and Israeli attacks, has alternated between pauses and renewed strikes, resulting in thousands of deaths and degrading Iran’s conventional forces. Iran and its allies have retaliated by extending the conflict throughout the region, with strikes on US allies in the Gulf and Houthi attacks on Saudi interests. The violence in Yemen has also prompted a new humanitarian crisis, with the UN children’s agency reporting a rise in acute malnutrition among children. Trump has previously stated he is in no rush to reach a deal, despite high oil prices fueling inflation, while questions remain over whether hardliners in Iran’s security forces would accept compromises championed by moderates.