Trump dismisses Iran's seven-day Hormuz ceasefire plan
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U.S. President Donald Trump rejected Iran's proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within a week, and officials say he may consider renewed military action after the November midterm elections.
U.S. President Donald Trump has turned down an Iranian offer to restore normal shipping through the Strait of Hormuz within seven days, according to unnamed U.S. officials cited by a newspaper. The proposal, outlined by Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi, called for the United States to release $12 billion in frozen assets, lift oil sanctions and end the naval blockade, after which the strait could be reopened and a final deal negotiated on day seven. Araghchi said the plan could be implemented within four to five days if the United States accepted the terms.
The White House has not issued a public statement on the proposal. A report said Trump was skeptical that Iran would meet U.S. demands, which focus on preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon and ensuring free passage in Hormuz. An American official told a news outlet that Washington is not in a hurry to respond and believes it holds a strong position regarding the waterway.
Diplomatic contacts continue indirectly, with Qatar acting as an intermediary at the United Nations. Both sides have said the door to negotiations remains open, and a U.S. official described the mediated talks as “positive and constructive.” Senior analysts noted significant skepticism in Washington about whether the two parties share the same expectations.
U.S. officials cited in the report said Trump expects to launch a new bombing campaign against Iran after the November midterm elections, a stance he reiterated in remarks at the UN General Assembly. Political analysts warned that a loss of congressional support for Trump’s party could lead to unilateral actions, potentially including a resumption of hostilities, followed by renewed negotiations.
"The choice now rests with the United States," Araghchi said. "I think the best we can hope for is that this offer … leads to further discussions to clarify what preconditions Washington is willing to work with," senior fellow Thomas Warrick told Al Jazeera.