Iran Awaits US Response to Peace Proposal Amidst Doubts

Iran was awaiting a formal response from the United States on Saturday regarding its proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and end the ongoing Middle East conflict, following a Wall Street Journal report that President Donald Trump had rejected the initiative. Iran presented this diplomatic proposal at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, stating it had conveyed it to the U.S. through Qatari intermediaries. The plan, according to Iran, would lead to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and a cessation of hostilities in the region within seven days.

However, the Wall Street Journal, citing unnamed U.S. officials, reported that Trump doubts Iran's commitment to its demands and has informed his staff that he believes a renewed bombing campaign is likely after the U.S. midterm elections in November. Earlier, a U.S. official, speaking anonymously, had described the mediated discussions as "positive and constructive."

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told reporters at the UN on Friday that an agreement would initiate a seven-day countdown to reopen the strait and halt fighting. "If there is seriousness from the American side to reach an agreement and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, everything is ready now," Araghchi stated, adding that if the U.S. agrees, warring parties could begin broader talks on mutually agreed issues, potentially including Iran's nuclear program.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, in an interview with CBS, indicated that Tehran is prepared for talks on its nuclear program and other issues but will not accept "bullying or coercion." He affirmed that Iran does not seek war but will defend itself against pressure and threats, and has already committed to not developing nuclear weapons. Araghchi further detailed that Iran's plan includes lifting the blockade on Iranian ports, releasing frozen funds, and ending oil sanctions.

Previous diplomatic efforts have failed to end the seven-month war, which began with U.S. and Israeli attacks. The conflict's intensity has varied since its inception, with periods of calm interspersed with renewed strikes.