Trump Rejects Iran's 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 this development, citing American officials.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif confirmed that his country had presented the proposal to the U.S. He stated that the seven-day countdown for the proposed ceasefire would only begin after the U.S. officially approves the plan. Zarif added that Iran's proposal includes conditions for the U.S. to meet, after which the Strait of Hormuz would be opened for shipping, potentially paving the way for renewed nuclear talks.

During indirect negotiations mediated by Qatar in New York, Iranian representatives presented their terms for resuming talks and opening the Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. delegation reportedly responded skeptically to Iran's claims of control over the strait, questioning Tehran's ability to influence the situation. Zarif also addressed Iran's nuclear program, calling claims of Iran nearing nuclear weapons a "big lie" originating from Israel in 2003.

Zarif further blamed the U.S. and Israel for the current security situation in the Strait of Hormuz, stating that automatic returns of security and freedom of navigation cannot be expected after actions like bombing, threatening destruction, and imposing a naval blockade. He asserted that Iran would not relinquish its sovereign rights under pressure.