Trump Rejects Iran’s Offer for Strait of Hormuz Peace
US President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that he rejected a peace proposal from Iran. The offer aimed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and end fighting in the Middle East. Iran said it could achieve these goals within seven days.
Iran presented its plan at the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Qatari mediators shared the proposal with American officials. However, President Trump told reporters at the White House, “I rejected their proposal.”
President Trump explained his decision before leaving for Tennessee. He said Iran wanted a deal quickly because “they’re losing so badly.” He added that the United States was “winning tremendously.” Trump claimed Iran needed to open the Strait of Hormuz immediately to get money.
The United States has placed strong economic sanctions on Iran. These sanctions aim to pressure Tehran. They have greatly reduced shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Despite this, Trump said the US controls the waterway.
The Wall Street Journal first reported President Trump’s rejection. The newspaper cited unnamed US officials. These officials said Trump doubted Iran would meet his demands. He reportedly told staff that renewed bombing could happen. This might occur after the US midterm elections in November.
Earlier, a US official described talks with Iran through mediators as “positive and constructive.” Iran had also spoken with its rival, Saudi Arabia, about the Strait of Hormuz. This conflict has lasted seven months. It has affected oil flows and hurt the world economy.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi spoke to reporters at the UN on Friday. He confirmed the proposal. He said if the US was serious, a deal was ready. This deal would reopen the Strait and pause regional fighting. Wider talks could then begin on agreed topics. These talks might include Iran’s nuclear program.
President Trump has insisted that Iran must never develop a nuclear bomb. However, a senior Iranian official told Reuters that Iran would not change its stance. This was true for its nuclear program. This includes uranium enrichment.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also spoke about the situation. He said Iran is ready for talks on its nuclear program and other matters. But he warned that Iran would not accept “bullying or pressure.” He said Iran is not seeking war but will defend itself. Iran has already agreed not to develop nuclear weapons.
The conflict started on February 28 with attacks from the US and Israel. Thousands have died since then. Iran’s military has been weakened, and its economy has suffered. Iran and its allies have responded by extending the conflict throughout the region. Iran has used drones and missiles against US allies in the Gulf. Houthi allies in Yemen have targeted Saudi interests.
