Trump dismisses Iran's offer to reopen Strait of Hormuz

President Donald Trump on Saturday said he would not accept Iran's recent proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, describing the plan as unacceptable. The proposal, announced by Iran's top diplomat Abbas Araghchi earlier in the week, would restore normal maritime passage within seven days if the United States met a set of conditions that mirror those in the June U.S.-Iran Memorandum of Understanding, which collapsed after renewed fighting.

"I reject their proposal," Trump told reporters. "They want to make a deal where they open the strait immediately because they’re losing so badly. I like making a deal too, but that deal would not be acceptable."

Araghchi said the offer would take effect as soon as the United States accepted it and warned that Iran could not expect a restoration of security while it faced U.S. military pressure. "You cannot bomb a country, threaten its annihilation, impose a maritime blockade, and coercive measures, and expect automatic restoration of security and navigation," he said.

A White House official told CNN that discussions through mediators were ongoing and that the United States was not in a rush because it controls the strait. Secretary of State Marco Rubio added that any agreement would require extensive work over time. Reports also indicated that Trump may consider renewed military action after the upcoming midterm elections, though officials said his position could evolve.