US President Donald Trump has reportedly rejected an Iranian proposal for a seven-day ceasefire aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz and restarting negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear programme. The development was reported by The Wall Street Journal, citing US officials.
Under the proposal, Iran would reopen the strategically important Strait of Hormuz within seven days if the United States lifted its naval blockade of Iranian ports and agreed to conditions linked to ending the regional conflict. Iran has also sought the resumption of nuclear negotiations as part of the proposed roadmap.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi outlined the proposal during meetings on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The proposal was communicated to Washington through intermediaries, including Qatar, as diplomatic efforts continued between the two sides.
According to reports, the proposed seven-day timetable would begin once Washington accepted Iran’s conditions. Iran would then take steps toward reopening the Strait of Hormuz, while broader negotiations on its nuclear programme could resume. The proposal also includes conditions related to oil sanctions and a ceasefire covering the wider region.
Araghchi has said Iran is prepared to reopen the strait if there is seriousness from the US side in reaching an agreement. He indicated that the reopening could take place at the end of the seven-day period, followed by wider discussions on issues including Iran’s nuclear activities.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a major issue in the conflict because it is a crucial route for global energy shipments. Any disruption to traffic through the waterway can affect oil supplies, shipping costs and international energy markets.
The reported US rejection adds uncertainty to the latest diplomatic effort. The Wall Street Journal report also said Trump had told advisers that he expected US bombing of Iran to resume after the November midterm elections. This account is based on officials cited by the newspaper and has not been presented as a formal announcement of future military action.
At the same time, Trump has publicly said that the US midterm elections are not influencing his Iran policy. He has also said he expects the conflict to end after the elections, highlighting a difference between his public comments and the account attributed to officials in the latest report.
Iranian officials have meanwhile indicated that Tehran would not abandon what it considers its rights under any potential agreement. Reports say these include uranium enrichment and opposition to sending highly enriched uranium outside the country.
The latest developments leave the proposed seven-day roadmap uncertain as diplomatic contacts continue. Any agreement would require further negotiations over the Strait of Hormuz, military activity, sanctions and Iran’s nuclear programme.
Also read: Trump Threatens to Destroy Iran Over Assassination Plot
