Trump Rejects Iran Ceasefire Offer, Plans Strikes Post-Midterms

U.S. President Donald Trump has rejected an Iranian proposal for a ceasefire within a week, indicating to his aides that he expects to resume attacks on Iran after the November midterm elections. The Wall Street Journal reported the development, citing American officials. Iran's Foreign Minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif, confirmed that his country had presented the proposal to the U.S., stating that the seven-day countdown would only begin after American approval.

Zarif elaborated that Iran's plan included opening the Strait of Hormuz within seven days, contingent on the U.S. accepting specific terms. He asserted that if the U.S. agreed, the strait would be open, paving the way for renewed nuclear talks. Zarif also addressed claims about Iran's nuclear program, calling the assertion that Iran is close to obtaining nuclear weapons a "big lie" originating from Israel in 2003.

Indirect negotiations between the U.S. and Iran, mediated by Qatar, took place in New York. During these talks, Iranian representatives presented their conditions for resuming negotiations and opening the Strait of Hormuz, which were reportedly similar to publicly stated demands. The U.S. delegation reportedly responded by questioning Iran's control over the strait, stating, "Sorry, but you don't control the Strait of Hormuz at all."

Zarif further blamed the U.S. and Israel for the security situation in the Strait of Hormuz, arguing that it was open until February 28. He stated that one cannot bomb a country, threaten its destruction, and impose a naval blockade, then expect security and freedom of navigation to automatically return.