Trump Rejects Iran’s Proposal to Reopen Strait of Hormuz

U.S. President Donald Trump has officially rejected a proposal from Iran that aimed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The plan, which was presented during the United Nations General Assembly in New York, suggested that the critical shipping lane could be reopened within seven days. In exchange, Iran requested that the United States lift its naval blockade on Iranian ports, release frozen financial assets, and remove sanctions—official penalties that limit trade—on Iranian oil exports.

Speaking to reporters as he left the White House, President Trump stated that the deal was not acceptable. While he noted that he is open to making deals, he did not provide specific reasons for his refusal. According to The Guardian, the U.S. president has privately expressed doubt that Iran would actually dismantle its nuclear program as part of any agreement. The Wall Street Journal reported that some U.S. officials believe the president is considering further military action against Iran following the upcoming November elections.

The Strait of Hormuz has been closed by Iran since late February, following military strikes by the U.S. and Israel. This closure has caused significant problems for the global oil supply, leading to higher costs for people around the world. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi explained that the proposed seven-day plan would include a clear schedule: four to five days for initial steps, the reopening of the strait on the sixth day, and the resumption of nuclear negotiations on the seventh day. As part of this process, Iran offered to allow United Nations nuclear inspectors to return to the country to check damaged sites and uranium stockpiles.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has maintained that his country is ready for talks but will not accept what he calls bullying or pressure. In an interview with CBS, President Pezeshkian stated that Iran is not looking for war but will defend itself against attacks. He also emphasized that the U.S. must show it does not intend to overthrow the Iranian administration. According to NPR, the Iranian government is waiting for a final response from mediators to understand the definitive position of the United States.

This proposal is similar to a previous agreement from June, which eventually failed due to disagreements over the specific wording of the document. At that time, both sides had agreed to a temporary ceasefire—an agreement to stop fighting—and a reduction in economic pressure. However, the lack of clarity regarding who would control the strait led to renewed conflicts and strikes. Current reports suggest that the new proposal also faces challenges, as Saudi Arabia is concerned that the deal is only between Iran and Oman, rather than including other Gulf states.

As the situation remains tense, the economic impact of the blockade continues to grow. The U.S. naval presence remains a primary source of pressure on the Iranian economy, while the ongoing conflict in the region has created uncertainty for international energy markets. Despite the rejection of this specific plan, Iranian officials have stated that they have not walked away from the negotiating table. For now, the future of the strait and the possibility of new nuclear talks remain uncertain as both nations continue to hold firm to their positions.