Trump rejects Iran proposal to reopen Strait of Hormuz
Tehran’s seven-day offer tied reopening the waterway to US sanctions relief, the lifting of a naval blockade and a wider regional ceasefire. Iran says it is still awaiting a response through mediators.
US President Donald Trump has rejected Iran’s proposal to end the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, saying its terms were unacceptable. The decision leaves the two sides divided over which should make concessions first.
Iran’s seven-day offer called on Washington to lift its naval blockade of Iranian ports, waive sanctions on oil sales, release frozen Iranian assets and support a wider regional ceasefire, including in Lebanon and Yemen. Iran would then reopen the strait and begin talks on a final agreement.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran had seen Trump’s initial public reaction but had not received a response through mediators. Qatar has helped mediate US–Iran talks on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
The proposal follows the collapse of a June memorandum of understanding amid disagreements over terms. Attacks around the strait intensified last month, and the waterway remains effectively under Iranian blockade, disrupting Gulf energy shipments.
Analysts cited by Al Jazeera say the Trump administration may believe continued economic pressure will bring further concessions. They also warn that prolonged disruption could raise energy costs and add political pressure in the United States, while Tehran may judge that waiting is preferable to accepting a deal prematurely.
Iran’s next steps remain unclear. The analysts say each side appears to believe time could improve its negotiating position, leaving the prospect of continued disruption alongside efforts to reach an agreement.
